Album Notes

Review of this CD:

"Greening-Valenzuela plays expressively throughout, and his technical resources are impressive..."
"From the opening bars of the G minor Sonata we are clearly in for a thrilling time..."

Roy Brewer - MusicWeb

Full text of this review:

http://www.musicweb.uk.net/classrev/2003/Aug03/Bach_violin_valezuela.htm

Since his critically acclaimed debut recital at Symphony Hall in Boston, he has become a prominent concerto soloist and recitalist, and has performed throughout the United States and Europe.

Hailed by critics for his unique and sensitive interpretations, James has premiered many works, such as Ernst Bacon's "Sonata for Violin and Piano," and Gustav Holst's "A Song of the night."

He is a prizewinner of national and international competitions, and has worked with Pinchas Zukerman, Joseph Silverstein, Henryk Szeryng, and Zaven Melikian. Known for his innovative programming, his vast repertoire includes rarely heard masterworks of great composers.

Currently, James is on the Adjunct Faculty of Queens College, and he is the Artistic Director of the Great Composers Summer Festival at Pepperdine University in California.

Mr. Greening has performed as concerto soloist with the Performing Arts Chamber Orchestra in San Francisco, on the Dixie College Celebrity Artist Series, at Hofstra University International Concert Series, and the Festival Internacional de Musica in Costa Rica. His new CD features Faure: Sonata in A Major, Op. 13 and Brahms: Sonata in A Major, Op. 100.

Additional reviews:

"...a violinist with a sound technique...his musicianship is acute and mature... We are in Greening's debt."- BOSTON GLOBE
 
"...Greening's performance was like a fireworks display...each number exceeded the first in beauty and eloquence. One witnessed the soul of a great musician as he gave each phrase and amazing dept of feeling."

-THE SPECTRUM