Mmm...the Potpourri smells So Good!

James Ehnes is playing both violin and viola!

I have never played a string instrument, but while the violin and viola look similar, I can't imagine as a lifelong violin player it is as easy as picking up a viola and going to town.

There is the matter of the clef viola parts are written in, although I am sure one could acclimate themselves. Also, the viola strings, of which there are a violin friendly four, play completely different notes than the violin.

And, of course, the instrument is bigger too. Just like adjusting to a different mouthpiece size and bore in brass, I am sure one must acclimatize to its new weight.

But what do I know? Perhaps Ehnes' gift for the violin transferred just as easily to viola. Either way, it is special to have Ehnes as an exploring advocate of this rare Hummel music.

What we have here is more entertainment music than it is anything else, but that doesn't hurt this album. The Viola Potpourri, with its quotes from Mozart and Rossini are a lot of fun, and the Piano Variations on Das Fest der Handwerker joins the other work for impressive soloist fireworks.

A review from 2024

Phenom James Ehnes takes on the role of both violinist and violist in this recording of Hummel’s string concertante works. As a little extra, Howard Shelley moves off the podium to the piano for the Piano Variations on Das Fest der Handwerker.

Nothing on this program is performed or recorded with any regularity, so regardless of the music, it is a treasure to have. The Violin Concerto was completed by Shelley and Stephen Hogger here, akin to what Gregory Rose did on Naxos. It is an affable work, if not particularly spectacular, as is the Adagio and Rondo alla Polacca, which comes and goes pleasantly.

The Viola Potpourri, however, is a lot of fun. Essentially a medley of opera tunes, with the added bonus of soloistic viola fireworks running o’er top. So too the Piano Variations are an avenue for the soloist to show off, and that he does, all amongst a healthy dose of smiling tunes and Chopin-esque pianistic musings.

If this program is less inspiring than it is entertaining, that doesn’t lessen the value here. James Ehnes is a beautiful string player, and having him explore these rare works is a treat. He affords just the right amount of silvery Romanticism, and his viola-ing is mighty impressive for having picked it up later in life. The London Mozart Players allow the soloists free range without taking the spotlight from them, yet providing lovely support nonetheless.

Listen on YouTube

Works
Viola Potpourri (18.42)
Violin Concerto (21.40
Adagio and Rondo (10.38)
Piano Variations (15.07)

Performers
James Ehnes, violin & viola
Howard Shelley, piano

Ensemble
London Mozart Players
Howard Shelley, conductor

Label: Chandos
Year: 2004
Total Timing: 66.20

 

This is a lightweight entry in the Hummel series.

That works great for the Viola Potpourri and Piano Variations, but the others not so much.

Of course, James Ehnes sounds wonderful, so not a problem!

 

 

 

Find more Hummel recordings HERE!