James Ehnes

April 17, 2005 at 02:59 AM · He's pretty amazing. My only comment of dislike is sometimes I find his sound doesn't really change much even though the repertoire does.

All around, amazing violinist, great technique, musicality, has the whole package and he's a pretty darn nice guy too!

April 17, 2005 at 05:01 AM · As Kelsey said, he is indeed a wonderful technician, supreme musician and a very personable bloke. He is very giving of his time to his fans which I think is always important. I personally feel that he has the best technique and tone of any of today's players. His interpretations always tend to serve the needs of the music first rather than as a self-serving vehicle to display his undoubted virtuosity.

As a profilic recording artist, it is wonderful that anyone can enjoy his performances no matter what country they live in (unfortunately he has not toured Australia yet).

I do think that listening to his live performances is even more exciting than listening to his recordings though, but I could say that for a large number of players. That is to detract nothing from his recordings, which are still absolutely wonderful and at the top of their class.

April 17, 2005 at 05:20 AM · I have a couple of his CD's and have heard him in concert. Almost every time I turn on the radio and hear a violinist who I really like without hearing the name yet, it turns out to be him. Lovely sound.

April 17, 2005 at 02:57 PM · ...he's excellent! Wish I could see him in concert...if he's ever back home (and within a reasonable drive)...I'll be there!

April 17, 2005 at 03:41 PM · He's the player who inspired me to play professionally! :) I've been lucky enough to attend four of his concerts (in which he played the Beethoven violin concerto, Beethoven violin sonata no. 7, Dvorak violin concerto, and Walton violin concerto), and they've all been unforgettable musical experiences. His trademark is a sweet and aristocratic sound with a surreally clean tone - which, in my experience, people either love or hate.

Musicality aside, he's by far the most approachable violinist I've ever met, and he's gone out of his way at every concert to make sure that he can say hi and chat.

I highly recommend his 2004 Sarasate/Wieniawski disc on the CBC label; it's a great example of what he can do, both technically and musically.

April 17, 2005 at 04:15 PM · Hi,

What can one say: James Ehnes is one of the most talented violinists out there. Huge repertoire, incredible talent, technique to burn, a gorgeous sound, and a fantastic and thoughtful musician. And most importantly, no BS. I find that his recordings and live performances are always great musical events.

Recordings worth listening too are also the French Album, which has probably the best Chausson Poème on disc. It is like the best traits of everyone in one artist and one recording.

Cheers!

April 17, 2005 at 04:57 PM · No offense intended, but there was quite an extensive discussion of Ehnes just a few weeks ago. Before posting a new question/comment, we should really do a quick search to see whether that topic has recently been done to death.

April 17, 2005 at 08:08 PM · Oops, I totally didn't see the last thread. Sorry!