Hi! I’m a violinist and my podcast Conversations with Musicians with Leah Roseman follows my curiosity about fellow musicians: how did they get to where they are today, what are their perspectives on a life in music?James Ehnes is known internationally as one of the foremost violin soloists. He’s a GRAMMY winner who’s created over 60 acclaimed albums. I was honoured to speak at length with James Ehnes about his career, collaborations, current projects, and his approach with practice and preparation for concerts. Timestamps are below. 

The video version is linked here, with transcript and bonus episodes: https://www.leahroseman.com/episodes/e11-s1-james-ehnes

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Timestamps:

(00:00) Intro

(01:38) 2021 recordings Ysaye, Bach, Beethoven quartets

(09:40) Ehnes String Quartet history

(14:00) Seattle Chamber Music Society

(19:40) solo Bach, different recording and performances

(29:35) pacing yourself, importance of run-throughs

(31:20) Paganini

(34:50) repertoire choices, getting pigeon-holed as a performer

(38:10) childhood in Brandon, Francis Chaplin, Sally Thomas, Meadowmount, Donald Henry

(45:25) learning process, pace of preparation, rotation of repertoire

(52:20) advice for music students

(54:55) Intonation

(59:30) Bramwell Tovey

(01:04:05) Andrew Armstrong

photo credit: Benjamin Ealovega