Composed in 1915, Szymanowski's Mythes is a three movement work consisting of miniature tone poems based on Greek mythology. Late romantic and impressionist in style, the composer's travels to Sicily and north Africa without a doubt influenced the exotic and sumptuous sound world he created in this work. Mythes is the opening work on this eclectic recital album from James Ehnes and Andrew Armstrong that also features Handel's D major violin sonata - a once popular staple of the violin repertoire, now sadly seldom encountered. The album concludes with a selection of short and sparkly miniatures and encores. There are some old favorites here, as well as new, including James Newton Howard's "133... At least".

Tracklist:

Szymanowski: Mythes, Op. 30: I. La Fontaine D'arethuse
Szymanowski: Mythes, Op. 30: II. Narcisse
Szymanowski: Mythes, Op. 30: III. Dryades Et Pan
Handel: Violin Sonata in D, HWV 371
I. Affettuoso
II. Allegro
III. Larghetto
IV. Allegro
Howard, J N: 133... at Least
Tchaikovsky: Souvenir de Hapsal, Op. 2: No. 3, Chanson Sans Paroles (Arr. for Violin ; Piano By Fritz Kreisler)
Suk: 4 Pieces for Violin and Piano Op. 17: No. 4, Burleska
Paradis: Sicilienne (Formerly Attrib. Paradis)
Rimsky Korsakov: Flight of the Bumblebee (Arr. for Violin ; Piano By Jascha Heifetz)
Ponce, M: Estrellita (Arr. for Violin ; Piano By Jascha Heifetz)
Grainger: Molly on the Shore (Arr. for Violin ; Piano By Fritz Kreisler)

UPC: 880040423423
Label: Onyx Classics
Release Date: 6.30.23
Format: CD

James Ehnes - Mythes (CD)