James Ehnes, the celebrated Canadian violinist, presents a captivating album that masterfully blends the works of Leonard Bernstein and John Williams. Released on April 26, 2024, under the Pentatone label, this album is a testament to Ehnes' virtuosity and musical depth, spanning a total of 61 minutes.
The album opens with Bernstein's "Serenade (after Plato's Symposium)," a five-movement work that draws inspiration from Plato's dialogue. Each movement is named after a different speaker in the dialogue, offering a unique musical interpretation of their perspectives. The serenade begins with "Phaedrus. Pausanias. Lento and Allegro," setting a contemplative yet lively tone, and continues through "Aristophanes. Allegretto," "Eryximachus. Presto," "Agathon. Adagio," and concludes with "Socrates. Alcibiades. Molto tenuto - Allegro molto vivace."
The second half of the album features John Williams' "Violin Concerto No. 1," a three-movement piece that showcases Ehnes' technical prowess and expressive range. The concerto begins with "Moderato," followed by "Slowly. In peaceful contemplation," and concludes with "Broadly. Maestoso - Quickly."
This album is a must-listen for classical music enthusiasts and anyone seeking a refined and engaging musical experience. James Ehnes' impeccable playing and the rich, varied repertoire make this a standout release in the world of chamber and classical music.
Vinylscout