For the Record, Op. 153: James Ehnes' Ysaÿe: Boulanger Legacy; Ensemble Diderot

April 29, 2021, 3:39 PM · Welcome to "For the Record," Violinist.com's weekly roundup of new releases of recordings by violinists, violists, cellists and other classical musicians. We hope it helps you keep track of your favorite artists, as well as find some new ones to add to your listening!

Violinist James Ehnes.

Ysaye: Six Sonatas for Solo Violin
James Ehnes, violin

In June 2020, Grammy award-winning violinist James Ehnes transformed his living room into a recording studio and began recording a six-part series called Recitals from Home, featuring the six Sonatas and Partitas of J.S. Bach and the six Sonatas for Solo Violin by Eugène Ysaÿe. This recording features the works by Ysaÿe, recorded in the early hours of the morning when all was quiet in the house. Ysaÿe composed each sonata with a particular violinist in mind, capturing their personality and characteristics of their playing. BELOW: James Ehnes plays the final movement from Eugène Ysaÿe's Sonata No. 4, dedicated to Fritz Kreisler. A mesmerizing performance!:

The Boulanger Legacy
Merel Vercammen, violin
Dina Ivanova, piano

Dutch violinist Merel Vercammen and Russian pianist Dina Ivanova bring to light the versatility of legendary conductor, pianist and composer Nadia Boulanger in her role as a teacher and mentor through the lens of her pupils’ compositions for violin, and with three pieces by her sister Lili Boulanger, who died prematurely at the age of 25 and whose work Nadia championed throughout her life. Lili’s music had many influences, as the Boulanger sisters grew up in a musical household where Charles Gounod and Gabriel Fauré were family friends. Lili left 30 compositions. Nadia Boulanger, who counted Stravinsky as one of her closest friends, has shaped the sound of 20th century classical music through the incredible number of students she taught. BELOW: Violinist Merel Vercammen and Russian pianist Dina Ivanova talk about their inspiration for the album.

Sonatas for Three Violins
Ensemble Diderot
Johannes Pramsohler, violin
Roldán Bernabé, violin
Simone Pirri, violin
Gulrim Choï, cello
Philippe Grisvard, harpsichord & organ

Baroque violinist Johannes Pramsohler and his award-winning Ensemble Diderot present a new recording of sonatas for three violins, revealing the emerging theatrical possibilities for the instrument in the 17th century. The recording also features a thrillingly fast performance of Johann Pachelbel’s famous "Canon," relying on the only preserved music source – one from 1838 without a single articulation mark. The album showcases works spanning 100 years, including music by Purcell, Gabrieli, Fux, Buonamente, Schmelzer, Hacquart and Dornel. Johannes Pramsohler and Ensemble Diderot will be in residence at the West Cork Chamber Music Festival between June 28 and July 3, 2021. BELOW: Ensemble Diderot performs Purcell's Trio Sonata 6 en sol mineur "The Great Chaconne":

If you have a new recording you would like us to consider for inclusion in our Thursday "For the Record" feature, please e-mail Editor Laurie Niles. Be sure to include the name of your album, a link to it and a short description of what it includes.

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