James Ehnes

Winner of the Instrumental category

Performances ****      Recording ****

“Ehnes’s breathtaking virtuosity is subsumed entirely into the musicality of these performances, bubbling to the surface only for passages such as the swashbuckling defiance that concludes the Third Sonata…a project that stands as a worthy testament to remarkable times.”

Editor’s Choice – Instrumental Section

“…Ehnes’s ‘centrist’ approach keeps your attention focused on the music, leaving you to marvel at his technique only after you’ve stopped listening.”

“… Shui … proves to be an imaginative conductor who spurs his orchestra and choir on to an outstanding performance. Evgeny Sudbin blends perfectly into this feverish sound…” ****

“… recommendable … this is a fine tribute to the sterling efforts of first-rate VW interpreters…”

Editor’s Choice – Vocal

“… Highly recommended.”

“… Many of these songs are known – when known at all – in versions for voice and orchestra. Bushakevitz’s sonority and sense of comprehension suggest the lilac-scented, silk-upholstered parlours seen in Luchino Visconti movies, but make such a good case for the more distilled piano versions that, at least for the moment, you wouldn’t want to hear the music any other way.”

“… a restrained, arresting song-cycle that benefits from an equally unobtrusive performance by Brooklyn Rider. Stranger nevertheless attains much of its subtle power and coherence through Phan’s distinctive performance, whose voice shifts from the almost clipped, newsreel-like intonation of the opening and end sequences of the cycle to more dramatic and full-toned lyrical moments in between…”