On this debut release from Seattle Chamber Music Society’s new label, SCMS Records, Artistic Director James Ehnes and longtime collaborator Andrew Armstrong bring fresh perspective to Johannes Brahms’ complete works for violin and piano. Recorded at Koerner Hall in Toronto, the album spans more than three decades of Brahms’ creative life—from the youthful fire of the early Scherzo in C minor to the emotional depth and maturity of the three violin sonatas.
Though Brahms famously questioned his own affinity for the violin, these works reveal a composer of extraordinary sensitivity to the instrument’s voice. The First Sonata unfolds with lyrical nostalgia, shaped by echoes of his own songs; the Second radiates warmth and ease, filled with gracious melodies and an intimate dialogue between partners; and the Third surges with restless intensity, pushing both instruments to symphonic heights of expression.
Together, these performances capture the full expressive range of Brahms’ writing for violin and piano—music that is by turns reflective, tender, and passionately driven—brought to life by two artists whose musical partnership balances virtuosity with deep musical insight.
CD and Double LP available in July.
James Ehnes, violin
Andrew Armstrong, piano
Recorded at Koerner Hall, Toronto. July 28-31, 2024
Produced by Simon Kiln
Recorded by Arne Akselberg with assistance from Brandon Wells
Violin Sonata No. 1 in G Major, Opus 78
I. Vivace ma non troppo
II. Adagio – Più andante – Adagio
III. Allegro molto moderato – Più moderato
Violin Sonata No. 2 in A Major, Opus 100
I. Allegro amabile
II. Andante tranquillo – Vivace
III. Allegretto grazioso (quasi andante)
Violin Sonata No. 3 in D Minor, Opus 108
I. Allegro
II. Adagio
III. Un poco presto e con sentimento
IV. Presto agitato
Scherzo in C Minor, WoO 2
Artist photo by Benjamin Ealovega
The artists would like to thank Barbara and Corrado DalMaso for their generous support of this recording.
2026 Seattle Chamber Music Society www.seattlechambermusic.org
Catalog number SCMS 001
Digital album available now!
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