Classical Music: Sibelius Works For Violin And Orchestra

Sibelius: Works for Violin and Orchestra

Violin Concerto, Op. 47; Two Serenades, Op. 69;
Two Pieces, Op. 77; Two Humoresques, Op. 87;
Four Humoresques, Op. 89; Suite in D minor, Op. 117

James Ehnes violin
Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra
Edward Gardner
Chandos CHSA 5267
Chandos.net

James Ehnes is at it again, demonstrating his virtuosic skill in an outstanding recording with the Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Edward Gardner.

With one of the instantly recognisable openings of any violin concerto, Canadian-born Ehnes strikes at the very heart of Sibelius' Finnish passion as he and the orchestra build intensity through a beautiful balance, expertly captured by the Chandos team and a soloist whose tone is perfectly judged.

Ehnes delivers a flawless performance, particularly in his ability and dexterity in communicating with superbly-judged dynamics. His performance is contagious, combining moments of sublime beauty with flashes of high-octane energy. The orchestra's various sections deftly and elegantly execute the cushion of sound, taking turns in developing the motifs. As the soloist rises in the final bars with the orchestra's final two beats, this dazzling performance culminates.

As Chandos' notes point out, it is surprising that Sibelius only wrote one concerto. This might be due to the challenging conception of the work. The first performance received mixed reviews, leading to extensive revision of the score. It was only when Jascha Heifetz in the 1930s started to perform the concerto regularly that it gained its place in the standard repertoire, a testament to Sibelius' unique contribution to the world of music.

The bonus on this recording is a collection of Sibelius' numerous other works for violin and orchestra. As one listens, the delightful miniatures reveal more depth. Again, Ehnes knows how to showcase technical detail with expressive exquisiteness. It highlights Sibelius' love for the instrument; he studied the violin in his youth and actively entertained the prospect of a career as a professional violinist for much of his student life.

The disc concludes with Suite Op 117, Sibelius' last completed orchestral work. As Daniel M. Grimley reminds us, it was completed before the beginning of the mysterious thirty-year ‘silence of Järvenpää’ that dominated his final decades, during which he produced
no new major compositions.

This captivating work, a short yet powerful piece, perfectly captures the composer's lyrical, graceful, and poetic panache, much like the elegance and finesse impressively demonstrated by Ehnes, Gardner, and the Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra.