Ten questions with James Ehnes
The LPO’s Josh Clark interviewed international violinist and long-time collaborator James Ehnes ahead of his performance of Bruch’s Second Violin Concerto with the Orchestra in the Royal Festival Hall concert
A Hero’s Life on Friday 25 October.
James, you’ve played with the LPO many times. How would you describe the ‘LPO sound’?
I LOVE the LPO sound! It’s always difficult to put these things into words, but the string sound is uniquely dark and muscular, and extremely beautiful, and the rest of the Orchestra’s clarity and virtuosity is always compelling.
Do you remember the first time you approached learning Bruch’s Second Violin Concerto?
It was a favourite of my teacher, Francis Chaplin, growing up, so I learned it quite young. I’ve never understood why it hasn’t found the popularity of the first. I love it.
What’s unique about Bruch’s Second Violin Concerto?
Like Bruch’s first concerto, perhaps the most unusual feature is its structure. The first movement is a slow movement, then the second is a highly dramatic (and wonderful) recitative. It is highly virtuosic throughout, so that is both fun and challenging.
How do you balance touring and performing with finding time to practise?
It can be a challenge. But the violin repertoire is just so rich, and getting richer every year with the addition of great masterpieces from living composers, that it’s impossible not to be inspired to learn new things. I often learn new music in little bits of free time when I’m on the road.
Who were your biggest influences as a young musician?
Certainly my parents, who were incredibly supportive, and my teachers; Francis Chaplin, Donald Henry and Sally Thomas.
Tell us about your performing relationship with Sir Mark Elder.
I adore Mark both personally and professionally. We’ve had a lot of good times over the years! He is a tremendously creative and inspiring collaborator, someone who really brings the best out of the musicians he works with.
What’s the most culturally unique musical context you’ve found yourself in so far?
What an interesting question! I have spent some time working with Indian classical musicians, which is fascinating and really eye-opening.
What’s your favourite thing to do in London?
London is probably my favourite city in the world, so the list of things I love to do is very long indeed, but if I had to pick just one, I think it would just be walking around. It’s such an endlessly fascinating city, so full of interest and beauty.
Your favourite piece of classical music that isn’t a violin concerto … go!
My favourite thing about music is the variety. I could never pick a favourite piece. But I just heard Berlioz’s Symphonie fantastique last night (the second half of a concert I played), so let’s go with that for today!
Do you have any advice for aspiring young musicians?
Practise hard, and practise efficiently – don’t waste time. And don’t forget that music is about communication, not ‘achievement’.