Mendelssohn: Violin Concerto in E minor, Op. 64

“Ehnes’s gorgeous, supple tone is combined with that instinct for a composer’s distinctive character that makes his interpretations so compelling. Ashkenazy conducts with delicacy and strength...Ehnes’s innate sensibility draws him into the music’s milieu for a performance that is outstanding and unreservedly recommended.” The Telegraph, 19th November 2010 *****

“Brisk tempi mark out James Ehnes's reading of Mendelssohn's perennial concerto; there is nothing cloying or sentimental, even in the luscious slow movement where lesser violinists are tempted to wallow. Instead, he gives a beautifully sincere, unaffected performance” The Observer, 21st November 2010

“The first thing that hits you about Ehnes's reading is the rhythmic propulsion of the concerto's outer movements, which lifts the music, revealing its glorious bone-structure...the sense is of a joyous, exhilarating ride rather than anything overly driven...Another aspect which is particularly winning is the creaminess of Ehnes's lower register...this is absolutely up there with the best of them.” Gramophone Magazine, February 2011

“His tone...is sweet in all registers and the intonation true” International Record Review, January 2011

“The Octet has rarely sounded more symphonic as Ehnes and his Seattle friends demonstrate all the energy and wit of chamber playing at its most dazzling. Ehnes gives an elegant, refined account of the Violin Concerto that highlights its unconventional structure, but it's not without emotion. Including the exhilarating Octet makes it unmissable.” Classic FM Magazine, March 2011 *****

“A coupling that deserves its near-legendary status: here is virtuosity without ostentation, and a loving way with the music at every turn. The few rough edges only serve to highlight Menuhin's humanity.” BBC Music Magazine, September 2010 ****

“…Alain Lefèvre, whose discography includes a number of other works by Mathieu, makes the best possible case for this attractive music, delivering a brilliant and flamboyant performance. Lefèvre, together with violinist David Lefèvre, also offers playing of great bravura and expressive intensity in Mendelssohn's youthful Concerto for piano and violin... in the Shostakovich Concerto. ...Lefèvre tends to emphasise the darker undercurrents of the score at the expense of its moments of biting sarcasm and uproarious humour.” BBC Music Magazine, February 2010 ****

“…in the Concerto Mutter takes the opening Allegro molto appassionato at face value and goes on from there. Tempos are variable, but always with reason, and bowing likewise. But as always, the basic sound is beauty itself and of course the technical challenges are met with total ease. The Trio has a few inelegant moments, Previn missing one note altogether in an otherwise fleet performance, but the F major Sonata of 1838 comes over with great élan.” BBC Music Magazine, April 2009 *****

“It's impossible not to be impressed by Mutter's playing - here and throughout the disc. Every last detail has been dissected and considered, every phrase is minutely shaded; the subtleties of her bowing could in themselves fill a review.” Gramophone Magazine, May 2009

“We always know who the star is, and it’s the German superstar, pirouetting nicely with a burnished tone, nervous rhythms, a furious finale and a vibrating, skylark andante. Will this interpretation zoom to the top of the CD mountain? Not right to the top: even with the finale’s authentic heat and Mutter’s feeling for Mendelssohn’s volatility, spontaneity is pipped by her glamour and power. Still, there are always the photos of that blue dress.” The Times, 13th February 2009 ***

“If one had to evoke the Dutch violinist Janine Jansen in a word, it would be energy” The Times