The warmth and sweetness of James Ehnes’s tone stand him in very good stead, and his pianissimo playing conveys an admirable sense of mystery. He’s greatly helped by having a sympathetic fellow-violinist as conductor: Andrew Manze keeps a tight grip on things, never allowing the music to meander, as it sometimes can. This is essentially a traditional performance…but certainly none the worse for that.

The rich, warm sound of the RLPO strings here may come as a surprise, though it’s a perfect complement to the soloist’s sweet-toned, Apollonian approach...Technically, Ehnes’s playing is a marvel...But, really, it’s his – and Manze’s – thoughtfulness and patience that make this recording so satisfying...Ehnes and Manze have given us a Beethoven Concerto to stand among the very best.

Ehnes is probably my favourite violinist working today, a poet of the instrument… the Beethoven concerto is the star here, and Ehnes and Manze have given us an interpretation for the ages, one that stands proudly alongside the competition, and, in many cases, faces it down.

Any danger of a routine account of this popular concerto is instantly dispelled by the freshness and colour of the opening bars...Ehnes’s fluent playing has similar virtues. In his hands, the finale’s repeated main theme is always a delight, so perfectly articulated.

His playing may be understated, but it is as secure and eloquent in the tricksy Kreisler cadenzas as it is in the unadorned melodies of the slow movement, and every note has something to sing about...Manze draws out a fine Beethoven sound from the modern instruments of the Royal Liverpool Phil, strong yet transparent, and they play their socks off in support.