*** Good disc        **** Excellent Sound 

“…If you’re a Prokofiev enthusiast, especially of his works for violin, this new two-disc set is essential. If you’re an Ehnes fan, it’s indispensable. If you’re both, acquisition of this release is obligatory.” 

Critic’s Choice 2013

"Ravishing stuff."

"...Michael Cookson has already reviewed this release and I am happy to concur with his summary of it as ‘outstanding’. Chandos have done well with this Complete Works for Violin programme, the concertos occasionally paired with the solo and chamber works but rarely if ever in such a comprehensive way. " 

"...James Ehnes and his various partners (including Amy Schwartz Moretti in the 1932 sonata for two violins) give the impression of wanting the music to speak for itself without any imposed personal overlay. And Ehnes certainly has the musical savoir faire and virtuosity to make the approach work."   **** 

Performance (Disc 1) ***** (Disc 2) **** Recording *****

"...I have not heard such a beautiful performance of the First Violin Concerto since Itzhak Perlman’s 1982 EMI recording, and Ehnes enjoys the advantage of a more natural balance with the orchestra, so one can really hear the details of Prokofiev’s finely scored and inspired orchestration a real winner...." 

Orchestral Choice

"...James Ehnes’s particular combination of matchless virtuosity, sweet tone, flowing tempi and interpretative restraint suits all this music down to the ground the contribution of the BBC Philharmonic is distinguished throughout Strongly recommended." 

“Wow. Everything works here. James Ehnes rarely disappoints, and the playing on this beautifully recorded two-disc set is immaculate. It’s not just the musicality, the remarkable ability to give shape and colour to the thorniest solo writing, but his modesty – he’s a player who knows exactly when to step back and let collaborators take the spotlight… Unmissable.” 

" ...Ehnes and his pianist give performances worthy of the giants (Oistrakh and Richter) for whom their parts were conceived..."

Classical CD of the Week 

"...Ehnes is joined by Amy Schwartz Moretti for an electrifying performance of the duo sonata In their mix of lyricism and sharpe-edged rhythmic and harmonic piquancy. Ehnes and Moretti are absolutely spot on in defining the music’s character. This is playing that truly grabs you by the scruff of the neck and commands attention For the two concertos Ehnes teams up again with an orchestra and conductor he knows well - the BBC Philharmonic and Gianandrea Noseda - who yield apt, complimentary shades of colouring, both brilliant and pungent, to match Ehnes’s superb artistry."   ***** 

"... the sound is terrific, and given the excellence of the performance throughout, and the convenience of having all of these works ’under one roof’. as it were, there’s no reason to put off acquiring this set ..." 

"...Prokofiev wrote tuneful music, rich and rhythmic, and James Ehnes is outstanding in bringing this attractive music to life."