French Showpieces (Concert Français) CD

 Another showcase recording
James Ehnes would have to be Analekta's star signing. In it's own words, the label promotes "the finest Canadian musicians", but in the case of James Enhes he is without doubt one of the finest musicians in the world. In an age where an increasing number of violinists give the appearance of wishing to insult the musical intelligence of the listener, James Ehnes remains firmly rooted in the finest traditions forged by the very greatest violinists from the 20th century. This CD contains a nicely structured program of 8 pieces, 6 of which are for violin and orchestra, the remaining 2 for orchestra alone. Apart from beautiful renditions of popular works by Saint-Saens, Berlioz, Massenet and Chausson, there is some material here that may be less familiar to listeners. The Cinema Fantaisie by Darius Milhaud is an excellent example and this was the first time that I had heard it. Sounding very much inspired by George Gershwin, the piece is particulary colourful and tongue in cheek at times. The star piece on the CD would have to be the Chausson Poeme. I think this is one of the very best versions I have ever heard, but on account of the superb quality of the recording, it has become my favourite. Hector Berlioz's Le Corsaire also deserves special mention, because finally, after 45 years we now have some serious competition (both musically and sonically) to the legendary version recorded by Paul Paray and the Detroit Symphony on the Mercury Living Presence label. Speaking of the engineering, if this is the sort of sound quality that Analekta can routinely churn out, we are in for a treat. The recording is nicely transparent and tight without being too dry. The clarity of the bass line is excellent without being overdone. James Ehnes's violin is a little further forward in the overall balance than in his Montreal Symphony recordings, however that could simply be on account of the different size of the orchestras - the orchestra in this CD being the smaller Quebec Symphony. Either way, the recording is an absolute pleasure to listen to and I hope the high standard is maintained on future recordings.
Submitted by jspa6m5 (New South Wales, Australia)
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