Homage

On this new disc, 2008 Grammy and Gramophone Award winning violinist James Ehnes pays tribute to the world’s most celebrated violin-makers. This unique Onyx project features performances on twelve of the greatest instruments ever made. The Fulton Collection is perhaps the most important private collection of instruments in the world. It contains many examples of the legendary names Stradivari, Guarneri, da Salo and Guadagnini. For example, the priceless La Pucelle has never been heard in a recording, and the Lord Wilton was Yehudi Menuhin’s last instrument. Ehnes performs twenty-one selections in a carefully planned recital program specially chosen to suit each instrument and to work on its own terms. It finishes with a section comparing each instrument in an excerpt of the same piece, a unique opportunity to contrast the sound qualities of these spectacular instruments. The set includes a DVD with the complete performances plus spectacular close-ups of the instruments and substantial interviews. This highly collectible package includes detailed notes by Ehnes himself. This is a landmark recording for all lovers of great instruments and of course great playing.