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James Ehnes and Andrew Armstrong
Violin Sonatas: Debussy, Elgar, Respighi, Sibelius
Onyx 2016. ONYX4159. 68 min 56 s.
James Ehnes and Andrew Armstrong deliver a rich, luminous CD with an original choice of works. In symbiosis from start to finish, they transport us to the different atmospheres of the pieces with refinement and poise. It was a judicious choice to combine these four composers and in particular these three sonatas, which are relatively unknown but no less interesting for that. The sonata by Debussy, one of his last works, displays his multiple colours and shadings as well as his delicate sensibility. But the shadow of death is hovering, and the composers knew it. The little-known sonata op. 82 by Elgar is a little jewel. It opens up to us a passionate romantic world that is both intense and harmonious. Respighi’s magnificent sonata op. 110 undergoes a lyrical and sensitive interpretation. At times tormented and sinuous, here it takes on a much brighter appearance. Concluding the album, the cradle song by Sibelius, in a very improvised style, has a melancholy that matches the overall feel of these works. The whole recording is redolent of the musical and intellectual synchronicity of these two players.
Translation: Cecilia Grayson
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This page is also available in / Cette page est également disponible en:
Francais (French)
