James Ehnes, renowned for his virtuosity and expressive depth, teams up with pianist Andrew Armstrong for an exquisite exploration of chamber music masterpieces. Released on November 22, 2024, via Onyx Classics, this album showcases a captivating blend of works by Johannes Brahms and Robert Schumann, reimagined for viola and piano. The collection features Brahms' Märchenbilder, Op. 113, a set of four character pieces that paint vivid musical landscapes, and the two Clarinet Sonatas, Op. 120, No. 1 and No. 2, presented in their enchanting viola adaptations. Schumann's 5 Lieder, Op. 49: No. 4, Wiegenlied, rounds out the program, offering a tender and lyrical conclusion. With a total duration of 1 hour and 1 minute, this album is a testament to the artistic synergy between Ehnes and Armstrong, delivering a rich and immersive listening experience that highlights their technical brilliance and emotional resonance.
(C) 2024 ONYX Classics Ltd(P) 2024 Andrew Armstrong
Tracks
Märchenbilder, Op. 113: I. Nicht schnellRobert Schumann, James Ehnes, Andrew Armstrong
Märchenbilder, Op. 113: II. LebhaftRobert Schumann, James Ehnes, Andrew Armstrong
Märchenbilder, Op. 113: III. RaschRobert Schumann, James Ehnes, Andrew Armstrong
Märchenbilder, Op. 113: IV. Langsam, mit melancholischem AusdruckRobert Schumann, James Ehnes, Andrew Armstrong
Clarinet Sonata No. 1, Op. 120 No. 1 (Version for Viola and Piano): I. Allegro appassionatoJohannes Brahms, James Ehnes, Andrew Armstrong
Clarinet Sonata No. 1, Op. 120 No. 1 (Version for Viola and Piano): II. Andante un poco adagioJohannes Brahms, James Ehnes, Andrew Armstrong
Clarinet Sonata No. 1, Op. 120 No. 1 (Version for Viola and Piano): III. Allegretto graziosoJohannes Brahms, James Ehnes, Andrew Armstrong
Clarinet Sonata No. 1, Op. 120 No. 1 (Version for Viola and Piano): IV. VivaceJohannes Brahms, James Ehnes, Andrew Armstrong
Clarinet Sonata No. 2, Op. 120 No. 2 (Version for Viola and Piano): I. Allegro amabileJohannes Brahms, James Ehnes, Andrew Armstrong
Clarinet Sonata No. 2, Op. 120 No. 2 (Version for Viola and Piano): II. Allegro appassionatoJohannes Brahms, James Ehnes, Andrew Armstrong
Clarinet Sonata No. 2, Op. 120 No. 2 (Version for Viola and Piano): III. Andante con moto – Allegro non troppoJohannes Brahms, James Ehnes, Andrew Armstrong
5 Lieder, Op. 49: No. 4, Wiegenlied - Version for Viola and PianoJohannes Brahms, James Ehnes, Andrew Armstrong
Vinylscout