REVIEW:James Ehnes turns in an absolutely sensational account of Dvořák's sunny and melodically sumptuous Violin Concerto. His warm, singing tone sounds as if made for...

REVIEW:

James Ehnes turns in an absolutely sensational account of Dvořák's sunny and melodically sumptuous Violin Concerto. His warm, singing tone sounds as if made for this music, whether in the heartfelt slow movement or in his infectious, vivacious account of the finale. Indeed, it's remarkable how idiomatically Ehnes and conductor Gianandrea Noseda capture the spirit of the piece, and note how characterfully Ehnes and the orchestra interact throughout. The violin/timpani duo in the finale is balanced with particular clarity and care, and the rush to the finish is absolutely thrilling. Noseda deserves particular credit for his characterful launching of the concerto's opening, and for the sense of drama he brings to the orchestral tuttis in the outer movements. This concerto has been making a big comeback in the past few years, rightly so, and while there are numerous excellent recordings (Suk/Ancerl first among them), this rendition belongs in the company of the best.

The Piano Concerto also receives a lively, intelligently shaped performance, once again benefiting from Noseda and the BBC Philharmonic's vigorous participation...Hayroudinoff plays his part well, particularly in this zippy account of the finale[.]

So: I recommend this disc for the wonderful account of the Violin Concerto by Ehnes. It's a performance that anyone who loves the work will want to hear. Hayroudinoff's rendition of the Piano Concerto is certainly also good from a purely pianistic point of view, and Noseda's contribution is wholly positive, but I wouldn't say that it reveals a deep understanding of the piece on its own terms, and this is certainly possible irrespective of the edition of the solo part employed. A bit less ego from the pianist and we might have had an excellent modern reference edition for both pieces. Terrific sound too.

-- David Hurwitz, ClassicsToday.com