Beethoven with James Ehnes and Lawrence Renes
Photo of James Ehnes | Taken from SSO Website
Featuring: James Ehnes
Instrument: Violin
Venue: Victoria Concert Hall
Date: Fri, 08 Nov 2024 7:30 PM
An all-Beethoven programme is a gift to any listener, and this concert offered a glimpse into Beethoven’s range, from his stormy overtures to his most lyrical writing for violin. The Coriolan Overture opened with bold contrasts and driving energy.
The centrepiece of the evening was James Ehnes performing Beethoven’s Violin Concerto in D major. From his first entrance, there was a sense of restraint and refinement. His tone was warm but never heavy, and his phrasing in the first movement unfolded with quiet authority. The cadenza, rather than dazzling for its own sake, was structured and expressive, drawing attention not to technique, but to shape and direction.
In the Larghetto, Ehnes allowed the simplicity of the line to speak for itself, using vibrato sparingly and phrasing with care. His dynamic control and timing with the orchestra created moments of stillness that were deeply affecting. The Rondo finale was played with spirit and lightness, with clear articulation and rhythmic lift that made the dance-like passages sparkle.
Post intermission, the Symphony No. 4 revealed Beethoven’s wit and rhythmic playfulness, brought out with elegance by the Singapore Symphony Orchestra under Lawrence Renes.
