On March 28, the Analekta record label unveiled a stunning two-volume set featuring the complete violin concertos of Johann Sebastian Bach. The release showcases the National Arts Centre Orchestra (NACO), and renowned violinist James Ehnes, a name familiar to Manitoba audiences. The collection spans eight concertos—four for solo violin and four for various instrumental combinations—and stands as a noteworthy addition to the Bach discography.
What sets this release apart is not just the musical chemistry between Ehnes and NACO, but also his personal reconstructions of several violin parts. Drawing from surviving manuscripts of Bach's keyboard concertos, This project, proudly made in Canada from start to finish, affirms Bach's music as both timeless and ever-evolving, placing it among the finest recordings of the Bach violin concertos in the discography.
A Deep Connection with Bach and NACO
Ehnes’s relationship with NACO goes back to 1993. As the orchestra’s artist-in-residence, he has toured internationally with them and formed deep personal and professional bonds with its members. For this Bach project, Ehnes knew he was in good hands, having played with many of the NACO musicians for years.
“We’re all friends, and it was a wonderful experience,” Ehnes shared. “This orchestra is not just an exceptional group of musicians, but truly great people. For something like this, where we’re playing with a smaller group, it’s vital that everyone can play an important role, and that’s exactly what happened.”
For Ehnes, the collaboration was also about capturing a moment in time. “Recording is about more than just the music—it’s about the relationship between the musicians. It was really special to record with people who I’ve known for decades and share such a deep connection with.”
Studying Bach with Francis Chaplin
As a former student of the legendary Francis Chaplin, Ehnes’s approach to Bach has been deeply influenced by his mentor. Chaplin, who was known for his commanding presence at the Brandon University’s School of Music, emphasized the importance of communication in performance.
“Chaplin was all about conveying an idea through music. He taught me that it’s not just about playing the instrument, it’s about communicating the music and making it speak to the listener,” Ehnes said. “Bach’s music is a perfect vehicle for that. He wrote for the violin in an ingenious way, turning a monophonic instrument into something capable of expressing complex polyphonic textures.”
Ehnes also emphasized Bach’s love of virtuosity, something that resonates throughout the violin concertos. “The concertos are incredibly fun to play, and they have some of Bach’s most beautiful melodies,” he added. “Pieces like the slow movement of the Double Violin Concerto are perennial favourites for a reason—they’re just stunning.”
Reconstructing Bach’s Concertos
One of the most intriguing aspects of this release is Ehnes’s reconstruction of Bach’s keyboard concertos as violin concertos.
“There’s an academic process to it, but at the end of the day, the goal is to make the music speak,” Ehnes explained. “Bach’s music, no matter how we approach it, always works. These pieces might have come from keyboard versions, but they fit beautifully on the violin. It’s all about translating the music in a way that brings it to life.”
He highlighted the D minor concerto, originally a keyboard work, as particularly interesting due to its inherent virtuosity. “There are elements in these pieces that were unorthodox for the keyboard but fit naturally on the violin,” he said. “Bach loved virtuosity, and these works showcase that passion.”
A Collaborative, Close-Knit Process
The recording process itself was a seamless collaboration. Thanks to his long-standing relationships with the NACO musicians, Ehnes was able to communicate openly with them, ensuring the performance matched his vision. “With friends, you don’t have to mince words. If something is too slow or too fast, you just say it,” he noted. “There’s a real sense of trust, which made the process both productive and enjoyable.”
Ehnes also credited his long-time colleague, concertmaster Yosuke Kawasaki, with helping bring the project to fruition. “Recording the Double Violin Concerto with one of your best friends in your home country’s capital—that’s a dream come true,” he said.
A Labour of Love
While the idea for the project grew organically over time, it wasn’t without its challenges. Finding the right time to bring everyone together took years of planning. “It wasn’t just a quick idea that we pitched. It was something that came about through years of playing together and building relationships,” Ehnes explained. “I feel very fortunate that it worked out the way it did.”
Now that the recording is complete, Ehnes and his NACO collaborators are excited for listeners to experience their collective effort. “We’re all proud of it, but mostly we’re grateful that we had the chance to create something so special,” he said.
With this exceptional recording, James Ehnes and the National Arts Centre Orchestra have added a fresh and captivating interpretation of Bach’s violin concertos to the classical music world. It’s a testament to their shared passion for music and their enduring collaboration, as well as a gift for Bach lovers everywhere.
