Nigel Kennedy: Vivaldi

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Not content with having produced one wildly successful recording of Vivaldi's Four Seasons in 1989, Nigel Kennedy, irrepressible enfant terrible of the violin world, apparently decided it was time for another version to display the new insights and ideas he had gained during those years. And indeed the differences are far-reaching and fundamental. The old version was relatively conventional, faithful to the score in text and spirit, with moderate tempi and no exaggerations. The new version's motto might be "everything to excess": tempi, tempo changes, dynamics. The sound effects are realistic to nature, but unnatural to string instruments, and there is a lot of scratching in the loud, vigorous sections. Perhaps in a nod to baroque practice, there are swells on the long notes, crescendos and decrescendos on ascending and descending lines, unvibrated passage, and long pauses before final notes. This is the first of a multi-disc collaboration between Kennedy and the musicians of the Berlin Philharmonic, called "The Vivaldi Project," and it is interesting that these famously tradition-conscious, staid players seem quite comfortable with his iconoclastic approach. Phrasing, articulation, and spirit are remarkably unanimous; the balance is fine with very strong cellos and basses. In the two double concertos--one famous, one unknown, both delightful--whose fast movements are taken at break-neck speed, the concertmaster matches Kennedy in verve and virtuosity, no mean feat. In spite of all his excesses, Kennedy's playing is superb; his technique is brilliant, his tone has a beguiling, aching sweetness. He is in his element in the improvisations; indeed they sometimes take on a life of their own. The most convincing, satisfying parts are the slow movements: played with unspoiled simplicity, deep expressiveness, and repose, they speak straight to the heart. Here, one feels, is where the real Kennedy comes out. --Edith Eisler

Nigel Kennedy: Vivaldi, Music, Antonio Vivaldi, Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra [members], Bogumila Gizbert-Studnicka, Daniel Stabrawa, Nigel Kennedy, Chamber Music & Recitals, Classical, Classical Composers, Classical Music, Classical Pop, Concerto, Concerto for Two String Instruments, Violin Concerto

Antonio Vivaldi: The Four Seasons [Complete]
Average customer rating:

good performance

Basement! Going Up?

Unusual, exciting, unexpected, refreshing...in one word: Kennedy

A little unusual, but it grows on you

Way too fast

Antonio Vivaldi: The Four Seasons [Complete]
Antonio Vivaldi , English Chamber Orchestra , and Nigel Kennedy
Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

All Works by Vivaldi | Vivaldi, Antonio | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
Violin | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music
Kennedy, Nigel | ( K ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
General | Classical | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Kennedy Plays Bach

The Kennedy Experience

Nigel Kennedy's Greatest Hits

Classic Kennedy

Nigel Kennedy: Vivaldi

ASIN: B000002RXL
Release Date: 1997-09-16

Tracks:

Concerto No. 1 In E Major, 'La primavera' RV269: I. Allegro
Concerto No. 1 In E Major, 'La primavera' RV269: II. Largo
Concerto No. 1 In E Major, 'La primavera' RV269: III. Allegro
Concerto No. 2 In G Minor 'L'estate' RV315: I. Allegro non molto
Concerto No. 2 In G Minor 'L'estate' RV315: II. Adagio
Concerto No. 2 In G Minor 'L'estate' RV315: III. Presto
Concerto No. 3 In F Major 'L'autunno' RV293: I. Allegro
Concerto No. 3 In F Major 'L'autunno' RV293: II. Adagio molto
Concerto No. 3 In F Major 'L'autunno' RV293: III. Allegro
Concerto No.4 In F Minor 'L'Inverno' RV297: I. Allegro non molto
Concerto No.4 In F Minor 'L'Inverno' RV297: II. Largo
Concerto No.4 In F Minor 'L'Inverno' RV297: III. Allegro

Customer Reviews:

good performance.......2006-08-07

so good
for four seasons
all time masterpiece
and
good performance~

Basement! Going Up?.......2005-10-11

I can't fathom why some would praise this particular performance so highly when it is singularly one of the worst performances and misinterpretations of this lyrical Italian Baroque piece presently in the repertoire in terms of both solo and orchestral apects. This is a lyrical piece depicting pastoral images of the seasons with sheperds, peasant dances, and storms, and therefore one of the most technically demanding for a solo violinist. Kennedy has absolutely no talent, method, or discipline for both his interpretation and performance of this piece. Ouch! Although he pretends to, Kennedy essentially has no idea what he is playing and it's painful to hear his confusion! Is it an Italian Baroque lyrical piece? A Scottish dance? An Irish jig? Who knows?! All I know is it hurts enough hearing it not to mention listening to it.

Besides the orchestral interpretations such as Karajan's or those with vituosos such as Perlman, I haven't heard many Baroque interpretations besides I Musici di Roma's that sound any good in traditional performances either outside of Salvatore Acardo's with I Solisti delle Settimane Musicali di Napoli and those of a few other Italian groups primarily. The only singularly outstanding performance I can think of is Pina Carmirelli's 1982 performance with I Musici Di Roma. Although I Musici breaks some Italian Baroque traditions for Italian Romantic ones, they are minor and the group have been the best in their class for 50 years and praised by greats such as Toscanini for being singularly the best Baroque chamber group in the world. In addition to their Italian traditions in performance and as with Acardo's performance, they also play only on Stradivari instruments that other Baroque groups rarely ever play solo and even less in quantities. I don't know too much about Kennedy's formal training and practice (if any), but from the sound of it, it doesn't seem to me that he has ever played a Stradivrarius or that he could even if he had one in his hands and tried his best. He would then at least in this way be close to par with just the average professional classical lead violinists out there which he is not. I will therefore not talk in detail of his comparison to virtuosos whose worst renditions of this piece still sound epic in comparison to Kennedy's 'spellbinding' performance.

Kennedy's performance is definitely the very bottom of the performance pit for this piece by any standard and one I would never personally recommend to a friend as I would consider such a thing to be auditory torture. To shoppers generally unfamiliar with classical music performance, I tell you that you are shopping in the basement now looking into the disposal bins as far as this piece or classical violinists. There are also many basement floors for interpretations of this work before you get to the top which is the only place you'll find the prized performances you desire and deserve for your money. In addition, you will there find selections in talent by the only competent artists who can even come close to properly performing this vigorous and demanding lyrical piece. What you will not find up there is mediocrity appearing talented which is what you have with this performance! There's a big difference believe me. With probably no more than ten epic performances of this piece, this performance would probably not make it anywhere near even the top 100 and I'm in all likelihood seriously underestimating in this assumption.

Unusual, exciting, unexpected, refreshing...in one word: Kennedy.......2005-10-03

After reading the reviews for this performance, I decided to do something I often don't and write a review.
Nigel Kennedy is as many know a wild musician, a force of nature. I have been listening to Vivaldi since I was a child, as I danced ballet until my late teens. I always liked Vivaldi, but until I listened to Nigel performing The Four Seasons I would have never catalogued Vivaldi as an exciting composer. Nigel brings new life and new force to this piece, and his performance is charged with the very essence of each season. His changes of speed and intensity in his performance make it something personal and compelling. If you have the Four Seasons already, I still highly recommend listening to this version and listening hard. If you are a classical music purist, this might not appeal to you but to me this brings a new humanity to Vivaldi.

A little unusual, but it grows on you.......2003-09-27

When I first heard this recording of the Four Seasons (some time in the 90's), I hated it. It sounded way to fast. But I listened to it a few more times (after all, I had paid for it), and all of a sudden I could feel the energy, power and beauty of music that I'd missed before. I'd always thought that the four seasons was a 'pretty' piece, something to have your friends who don't like classical/instrumental music to listen to, but this recording changed my mind. I would recommend it to anyone who's willing listen to something a little different.

Way too fast.......2001-03-10

This has to be the absolute worst interpretation of "The Four seasons" I have ever heard. Kennedy just rushes through everything isntead of slowing to savor it; I get the sense of zooming through it. He plays way way way too fast for me to enjoy it at all, and while he says in the liner notesabout color and imagery, he plays way too fast for me to hear anything. Very disappointing.

Average customer rating:

Wow!
Nigel Rules!

Nigel Kennedy's Greatest Hits

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

The Kennedy Experience
East Meets East
Kennedy Plays Bach
Antonio Vivaldi: The Four Seasons [Complete]
Classic Kennedy

ASIN: B00006JKMD
Release Date: 2003-01-07

Tracks:

Vivaldi: Spring, Allegro (The Four Seasons)
Massenet: Meditation (Thais)
Satie: Gymnopedie No. 1
Vaughan Williams: The Lark Ascending
Debussy: The Girl With the Flaxen Hair
Bach: Sonata for Solo Violin in C, Allegro assai
Kreisler: Praeludium and Allegro
Bach: Es ist genug, so nimm, Herr
Danny Boy
Scarborough Fair
Melody in the Wind
Monti: Scardas
Vivaldi: Autumn, Allegro (The Four Seasons)

Amazon.com

Violinist Nigel Kennedy long stopped annoying or surprising concertgoers and disc buyers with his looks and manners--the cover of this CD pictures him with red and blue paint on his face, and he's biting his violin. If that irritates you, his playing certainly will not. Here, two movements from Vivaldi's Four Seasons act as bookends to, among other pieces: a Satie Gymnopédie, exquisitely played, with lovely embellishments near its close; Vaughan Williams's floating Lark Ascending; a stunning, virtuosic Bach solo (never before released); a soft-edged Bach chorale; a soupy, sentimental "Danny Boy"; a slightly overwrought "Scarborough Fair"; a piece by Kennedy himself; and a few other surprises. Kennedy's tone is lush and warm, and his emotionalism almost never overwhelms the music. Greatest hits? More like greatest encores. But definitely a terrific 71 minutes of fiddling. --Robert Levine

Customer Reviews:

Wow!.......2005-09-28

When I got this CD to use for my "music appreciation" class that I teach to a small group of homeschooled students, I thought I might use just a few of these songs to listen to in class. But we will definitely be spending more time on the whole album--this is one of the best violin solo albums I've heard for a while, and Nigel Kennedy is one of the best violinists I've heard, ever. One can hear the energy and emotion in each song played. The arrangements are beautiful, and the choice of songs on the album are wonderful. This is one to actively "listen to". And yes, I'd love to see a live concert DVD!

Nigel Rules!.......2003-01-28

This is terrific, top to bottom! I can write for hours about the joys of Nigel live, the visual and musical daring, the goose in the arse of most orchestral experiences and the rapturous, clamourous, rock and roll reaction he elicits in the most staid of settings. Classical music was not ready and remains uncertain how to deal with him, mostly because he has the chops and the creativity first and foremost.
This collection underscores his remarkable repertoire. Be it Vivaldi, Beethoven, Kreisler, Elgar or Hendrix, Kennedy upends the expectations of one and all. His intensity is extraordinary, his playfulnesss on stage a joy, his interpretive skills incisive.
At this point, though, what would be even more welcome than this terrific collection, would be a DVD of the man himself in action. I can still hear the crowd at Philadelphia's Academy of Music howling, that's right, howling, for an encore. Sawalisch was not sure what to do. The Orchestra looked stymied. Out came Nigel with the fiddle attached to his forehead. He shouted at the audience that they were possibly further off their rockers than he and then asked if anyone in the orchestra knew any Willie Dixon. One of the double bassists did and they launched into "Gingerale Afternoon." Sheer genius, especially on the heels of Beethoven's volin concerto. Lu himself would have dug it immenseley.
Pick this disc up, then write to his label and insist on a DVD.

Average customer rating:

CLAIM
Romantic-Styled Playing
The beauty as it is
Clearly Kennedy
An Interesting Concept, A Failed Production

Classic Kennedy
Antonio Vivaldi , Jules Massenet , English Traditional , Johannes Brahms , Fryderyk Chopin , Erik Satie , George Gershwin , Johann Sebastian Bach , Vittorio Monti , George Frideric Handel , Charles Gounod , Claude Debussy , Nikolay Andreyevich Rimsky-Korsakov , William Kroll , Pablo de Sarasate , Joni Mitchell , English Chamber Orchestra , Nigel Kennedy , Osian Ellis , London Voices , John Anderson , David Thomas , Harold Lester , Andrew Crowley , and Charles Tunnell
Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Russian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

The Kennedy Experience
Nigel Kennedy's Greatest Hits
Antonio Vivaldi: The Four Seasons [Complete]
Kennedy Plays Bach
Nigel Kennedy: Vivaldi

ASIN: B000026D4B
Release Date: 2000-02-01

Tracks:

Concerto No. 2 In G Minor: The Four Seasons - III Presto
Meditation from Thais
Scarborough Fair (Trad.)
Hungarian Dance No. 5
Nocturne in C Sharp Minor Op. Posth.
Gymnopedie (No. 2
Prelude No. 1
Air on the G String
Danny Boy
Czardas
The Arrival of the Queen of Sheba
Ave Maria
La Fille aux Cheveux de Lin
Gymnopedie No. 1
Prelude No. 2
The Flight of the Bumble-Bee
Banjo and Fiddle
Zigeunnerweiden
Urge for Going
Melody in the Wind

Amazon.com

Just in case you thought Nigel Kennedy--fresh from his Hendrix tribute album--had left the classical music repertoire for good, think again. On Classic Kennedy, the fiddler is situated with the English Chamber Orchestra in a program that spans from Bach to Satie. (Yes, you also get a Joni Mitchell tune; "Scarborough Fair"; and the fiddler's own forgettable "Melody in the Wind," too.) The sequencing is a bit disjointed--the summer storm from The Four Seasons is followed by Massenet's blissful "Meditation" from Thaïs--and Kennedy's performances range from good to fair. The English Chamber Orchestra does an admirable job on these diverse works (it deserves a lot of credit here), but it'll be up to the listener to decide whether he or she wants to hear "Air on the G String" followed by Kennedy's version of "Danny Boy." As with most Kennedy discs, you'll either love it or hate it. --Jason Verlinde

Customer Reviews:

CLAIM.......2007-01-11

SOORY BUT WE DIDN'T RECEIVE THE PRODUCT YET, DESPITE WE PURCHASED ON NOV/10/2006.WATH'S HAPPENED ?

Romantic-Styled Playing.......2005-07-25

I came to love classical music through classical crossover, but have dumped crossover after listening to artists like Perlman and Hahn. So was very apprehensive going back to a “crossover” artist.

After a minute into his interpretation of Vivaldi’s third movement of Summer, I was hooked. Although Nigel may not play the pieces in a way that is considered “proper”, he brings his own style which is intense and highly emotional. The sound he can extract from his violin is engaging, and I always feel as if his violin is singing/crying to me. I’ve also heard several versions of “The Flight of the Bumble-Bee”, but this version just makes me giggle.

The only weakness for me is the mixing of main stream classical music. Songs such as the traditional songs like Scarborough Fair (a great song) and the Joni Mitchell song seem out of place. Perhaps it was EMI’s goal to show Nigel’s approach to different styles of music, but "this mixing things up" personally doesn’t work for me.

If you like the classical music on this CD, also pick up his Vivaldi CD’s which are fantastic. And if you like the traditional stuff, then get his “East to East” CD.

The beauty as it is.......2003-03-06

On a scale of love-hate, I love this CD. No: I -L-O-V-E- it. That is a masterpiece in itself. I'm neither violinist nor classical musician, not even very experienced classical listener - though I enjoy "Der Ring des Nibelungen" much deeper than "Love Me Tender". What strikes me in Nigel's playing, and on this album particularly, is his incredible technical brilliance. When he plays a note it is always THE NOTE he's meant to play. Not a 1/16 tone mistake, not a 1/10 millimeter shift. Few singers are capable of such exactness, much less violin players. With a brush like this, you can paint whatever picture you want. And the pictures of Nigel's are just incredible. The deepest of his feelings are portrayed in his music with such a delicacy and balance, and with great confidence. On to titles: my personal faves are Brahms, Chopin, Bach, Satie and Kroll's. "Banjo and Fiddle" is so ironic and courteous, "Zigeunerweisen" is heartbreaking, "Nocturne in C Sharp minor" makes you breathless of its sweet sadness. "Hungarian Dance 5" swept all other versions away: compared to Kennedy's brave, sharp, masculine, fiery rendition, any other version seems like glucose syrup compared to juicy meat. "Air on the G String" is so airy and transparent. And "Czardas" is probably the best thing I've ever heard in my life...

Flawless. Brilliant. Beautiful.

Clearly Kennedy.......2003-01-22

I had only heard Kennedy one other time and knew that this would be good, as it is. I'm not new to classical music and can say that Kennedy's playing is clear and beautiful. I don't know why others have such a hard time with it, but if it's talented and artistic violin music that you're looking for then this is for you...

An Interesting Concept, A Failed Production.......2002-09-07

A while back I had heard about a British violin soloist named Nigel Kennedy, who was working on transcribing songs by Jimi Hendrix for the violin. I had altogether forgotten his name until my friend lent me a copy of Kennedy's 1999 release 'Classical Kennedy', and when I saw the pictures of him with his Morrisey haircut, stubbly facial hair, and his leather jacket, I recognized this controversial figure, the so-called "Bad Boy" of classical music.

'Classical Kennedy' is an exploration of the violin not as the solo voice of a gargantuan half-hour concerto but, rather, the lead voice in a three to five-minute song, and it explores this concept from Bach to Joni Mitchell. Right away this poses a serious undertaking- it is difficult to achieve continuity in a classical album that practically spans the history of Western art music. However, this conflict is partly resolved by the consistency of the tracks' lengths.

Kennedy has a distinct sound, and his little "trick" is that he sometimes plays really hard and really fast. He occasionally draws an elegant and pure tone that listeners expect from a great soloist, but he also has the tendency to turn a beautiful phrase into a crude and apathetic statement. These days the idea of a violinist who isn't utterly predictable, and is willing to take liberties with the repertoire, is a pleasant muse, but Nigel Kennedy is certainly not the ideal solution.

Kennedy's gimmick becomes his fatal flaw- in classical music, the notes speak for themselves. He makes Bach and Brahms sound hoarse and nasal. Ask any professional violinist and they'll tell you that, though there isn't one exact way to play any piece, there are limits on what one should do with a phrase, and that rule is implicit through understanding the composition. It's a hard truth to face, and perhaps only a trained musician fully understands this phenomenon. Either way, there needs to be an intimacy between the performer and the listener. All in all, Kennedy's technique caves in on itself. He plays as if taking great liberties at every turn were in itself a good thing. He cuts off a note that should sing, his sense of tempo is awkward at best- he seems to be driven by self-indulgent whims rather than musical passion.

There are points in the album where I think that his approach does utter disservice to the piece. For example, his interpretation of Massenet's 'Meditations' simply does not compare to Itzhak Perlman's flawless, dramatic performance on 'A La Carte'. Kennedy's Chopin 'Nocturne in C#' (which really sounds better with just a piano) doesn't at all capture the emotion and power of Sarah Chang's performance on 'Sweet Sorrow'. I'm not saying that every single track on this album is a loser. But where he fails miserably in some regards is that his playing strays into avant-garde quirks, and it becomes somewhat ignorant to the music in the piece. Ivry Gitlis quoted in the DVD 'The Art of Violin' that 'of course it's an insult to music when somebody says 'that's the benchmark performance' or 'that's how it's supposed to be played''. But in a lot of classical works, the personality and individuality of the performer lay in the subtleties of the performance, not in urinating on the very things that made the piece wonderful and then hoping that the listener will somehow connect with it.

Tracks:

Allegro
Largo
Allegro
Allegro
Largo
Presto
Allegro
Largo
Allegro
Preludio: Largo
Corrente: Allegro
Gavotta: Presto
Giga: Allegro
(Allegro)
Largo
Allegro
(Adagio)-Allegro
Larghetto
(Adagio)-Allegro
Adagio E Spiccato
Allegro
Larghetto
Allegro

Customer Reviews:

Vivaldi Fan.......2005-01-13

This is my first Nigel Kennedy recording that I've purchased. I have to say that I am very impressed with Vivaldi II. I have recently gotten into Vivaldi, discovering his other work besides The Four Seasons, and have purchased six CDs of Vivaldi Concertos. This one is the best that I have so far, not only in the artistic quality, but in the selections. I'd highly recommend this to anyone who is new to Vivaldi and hungers for more than the Four Seasons, or anyone that is a Vivaldi fan.

Why do you hesitate? Just buy it!!.......2005-01-08

Tell you what,

I have all of Nigel Kennedy's Album(except Let Loose).

Some CDs(like Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto or Classic Kennedy

Album) made me disappointed but,

this is one of his best interpretation I've ever heard.
(like Walton, Elgar, Sibelius, Bruch, Bach Concertos, or

Bartok Solo Sonata)

In my opinion, it is much better than First Vivaldi album with

Berlin Phil(red one).

(listen carefully his scale & Ornament in the style of Baroque)

he plays like he plays with Baroque Violin. (messa di Voce,

long tone without vibrato etc.)

for some Ornament, just listen track 6.

if you want to hear his Cadenza, listen last part of

track 9.(it is most difficult Vivaldi Concerto-Track.7~9)

some good example for beautiful duet, check track.15 with

Albrecht Mayer(one of leading Oboist in the world).

So to sum it up,

just buy it & listen.

why are you hesitating?

Average customer rating:

Wow
OK Double...Mediocre Seasons
Powerful and uplifting
Sloppy playing
thrilling!

Nigel Kennedy: Vivaldi

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Vivaldi II
Kennedy Plays Bach
Antonio Vivaldi: The Four Seasons [Complete]
Classic Kennedy
Legend: Nigel Kennedy [CD & DVD]

ASIN: B0000DIGJA
Release Date: 2004-01-13

Tracks:

I: Allegro
II: Larghetto E Spirituoso
III: Allegro
I: Allegro
II: Largo
III: Allegro
I: Allegro Non Molto - Allegro - (Allegro Non Molto)
II: Adagio
III: Presto
I: Allegro - Larghetto - Allegro Assai
II: Adagio Molto
III: Allegro
I: Allegro Non Molto
II: Largo
III: Allegro - Lento - (Allegro)
I: Allegro Molto - Adagio - Allegro
II: Largo
III: Allegro

Amazon.com

Not content with having produced one wildly successful recording of Vivaldi's Four Seasons in 1989, Nigel Kennedy, irrepressible enfant terrible of the violin world, apparently decided it was time for another version to display the new insights and ideas he had gained during those years. And indeed the differences are far-reaching and fundamental. The old version was relatively conventional, faithful to the score in text and spirit, with moderate tempi and no exaggerations. The new version's motto might be "everything to excess": tempi, tempo changes, dynamics. The sound effects are realistic to nature, but unnatural to string instruments, and there is a lot of scratching in the loud, vigorous sections. Perhaps in a nod to baroque practice, there are swells on the long notes, crescendos and decrescendos on ascending and descending lines, unvibrated passage, and long pauses before final notes. This is the first of a multi-disc collaboration between Kennedy and the musicians of the Berlin Philharmonic, called "The Vivaldi Project," and it is interesting that these famously tradition-conscious, staid players seem quite comfortable with his iconoclastic approach. Phrasing, articulation, and spirit are remarkably unanimous; the balance is fine with very strong cellos and basses. In the two double concertos--one famous, one unknown, both delightful--whose fast movements are taken at break-neck speed, the concertmaster matches Kennedy in verve and virtuosity, no mean feat. In spite of all his excesses, Kennedy's playing is superb; his technique is brilliant, his tone has a beguiling, aching sweetness. He is in his element in the improvisations; indeed they sometimes take on a life of their own. The most convincing, satisfying parts are the slow movements: played with unspoiled simplicity, deep expressiveness, and repose, they speak straight to the heart. Here, one feels, is where the real Kennedy comes out. --Edith Eisler

Customer Reviews:

Wow.......2007-01-12

One more time wow, when I noticed the four season's on the label of the CD, I thought, I already have this, let me hear something new, but he made it sound like never before. Nigel is GREAT!
I went to buy vivaldi II right way.
I can listen to it all day!

OK Double...Mediocre Seasons.......2004-05-06

What I have always liked about Kennedy was his in-your-face type of playing. It oftentimes is accompanied with interesting interpretation of the piece and infinite energy. However, in the seasons, after I listened into the last movement of the Summer, I was a little fatigued by his brash, marcato playing. It was exciting for the first few minutes...Then suddenly became dull. His slow movements are extremely exaggerated, as if thinking we won't get the point of the movement if it is delivered subtlely. I must say, his Autumn is quite hilarious (in a good way), giving it a jazzy feel with the sudden rhythm changes (not indicated in the music...)

What I like about this CD is his double concerto interpretation. The A Minor is extremely testosterone-driven. I have heard many recordings where the sound and performance fall flaccid from either bad recording or bad players. Here, the tempo is fast enough to keep you interested, but not so fast as to make you think you're hearing noise instead of music. His last movement (regularly taking 4:00+ to play...his time: under 2.5) had the feel of a live performance.

The other double concerto is a rather obscure one by Vivaldi. It is a mediocre piece with drastic, operatic scoring that really doesn't fit Kennedy's playing.

Powerful and uplifting.......2004-04-04

I heard the recording on a coast-to-coast flight. Tremendous. Moving. (I cannot understand one reviewer pan of it.)

Sloppy playing.......2004-02-16

Sloppy playing saved by the berliner philharmoniker. Save your money.

thrilling!.......2004-01-24

kennedy's rendition is thrilling. it's crisp and excites-moves the blood. i love the album. my only critique is that when he alternates solo violin with orchestra, the orchestra sounds muted and as if it was a mistake that took place on the sound board regulating the volume. however with that said, i keep going back to listen over and over, louder and louder. magnificent playing.

Average customer rating:

Nigel Kennedy at his best

Inner Thoughts

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Legend: Nigel Kennedy [CD & DVD]
The Kennedy Experience
Nigel Kennedy's Greatest Hits
Just Listen...
Brahms: Violin Concerto

ASIN: B000AXSN5Q
Release Date: 2005-11-08

Tracks:

Adagio
Adagio
Adagio
Larghetto
Andante
Adagio
Andante
Largo Ma Non Tanto
Larghetto E Spiritoso

Customer Reviews:

Nigel Kennedy at his best.......2006-01-19

This CD is truly Nigel Kennedy at his best, with excerpts from Violin concertos by Bruch, Bach, Brahms, Vivaldi, Mendelsohn-Bartholdy, Elgar, and Vivaldi.
That being said, who is entering data for classical music at amazon these days? Do a search for Nigel Kennedy and you will not find this November, 2005 CD listed. Yes, there are some other violinists playing on the recording -- but only on the cuts that are numbers for two violins. This is a Nigel Kennedy recording. His name is on the front as is his photo.
And surely there must have been some print reviews that could appear with the listing.
Amazon has always been my favorite online shopping source, but it appears that perhaps someone more knowledgeable about classical music should be entering the data for our use.

Average customer rating:

Numbingly moving....

Vivaldi: The Four Seasons

Manufacturer: Capitol
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music
ASIN: B000002RQN
Release Date: 1990-04-10

Customer Reviews:

Numbingly moving...........2000-02-05

Salerno-Sonnenberg's ability to grab the listener is expressed in the second movement of 'Winter' through a unique simplicity that resembles the breaking surface of an ocean.

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Vivaldi Experience [Australia]
Nigel Kennedy
Manufacturer: EMI
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Classical | Imports | Stores | Music
ASIN: B000HCPT0M
Release Date: 2006-09-11

Tracks:

Concerto For 2 Violins, Strings & Continuo In A Minor, Op. 3 No. 8, Rv522-I Alle
Concerto For 2 Violins, Strings & Continuo In A Minor, Op.3 No.8, Rv522 - Larghe
Concerto For 2 Violins, Strings & Continuo In A Minor, Op.3 No.8, Rv522 - Allegr
Four Seasons -Concerto No.1 In E (La Primavera/Spring)Rv269(Op.8 No.1)I Allegro
Four Seasons -Concerto No.1 In E (La Primavera/Spring)Rv269(Op.8 No.1)Ii Largo
Four Seasons -Concerto No.1 In E (La Primavera/Spring)Rv269(Op.8 No.1)Iii Alegr
Four Seasons -Concerto No.2 In G Minor (L'estate/Summer)Rv315(Op.8 No.2)I Allegr
Four Seasons -Concerto No.2 In G Minor(L'estate/Summer)Rv315(Op.8 No.2)Ii Adagio
Four Seasons -Concerto No.2 In G Minor(L'estate/Summer)Rv315(Op.8 No.2)Iii Prest
Four Seasons -Concerto No.3 In F(L'autunno/Autumn)Rv293(Op.8 No.3)I Allegro-Lar
Four Seasons -Concerto No.3 In F(L'autunno/Autumn)Rv293(Op.8 No.3) Ii Adagio Mol
Four Seasons -Concerto No.3 In F(L'autunno/Autumn)Rv293(Op.8 No.3)Iii Allegro
Four Seasons -Concerto No.4 In F Minor(L'inverno/Winter)Rv297(Op.8 No.4)I Allegr
Four Seasons -Concerto No.4 In F Minor(L'inverno/Winter)Rv297(Op.8 No.4)Ii Largo
Four Seasons -Concerto No.4 In F Minor(L'inverno/Winter)Rv297(Op.8 No.4)Iii Alle
Concerto For 2 Violins, Strings & Continuo In D Major,Rv511-I Allegro Molto-Adag
Concerto For 2 Violins, Strings & Continuo In D Major, Rv511 Ii Largo
Concerto For 2 Violins, Strings & Continuo In D Major, Rv511 Iii Allegro
12 Concerti Grossi Op.3(Lestro Armonico)Concerto For 2 Violins In A Major Rv519-
12 Concerti Grossi Op.3(Lestro Armonico)Concerto For 2 Violins In A Major Rv519
12 Concerti Grossi Op.3(Lestro Armonico)Concerto For 2 Violins In A Major Rv519
12 Concerti Grossi Op.3(Lestro Armonico)Concerto In A Minor Rv356 -Allegro
12 Concerti Grossi Op.3(Lestro Armonico)Concerto In A Minor Rv356 -Largo
12 Concerti Grossi Op.3(Lestro Armonico)Concerto In A Minor Rv356 -Allegro
Concerto For 2 Violins In C Major Rv507 - Allegro
Concerto For 2 Violins In C Major Rv507 - Largo
Concerto For 2 Violins In C Major Rv507 - Allegro
Solo Sonata No.2 In D Minor, Rv 12 - Preludio. Largo
Solo Sonata No.2 In D Minor, Rv 12 - Corrente Allegro
Solo Sonata No.2 In D Minor, Rv 12 - Gavotta. Presto
Solo Sonata No.2 In D Minor, Rv 12 - Giga. Allergo
Concerto For Violin And Oboe In B Flat Rv 548 - Allegro
Concerto For Violin And Oboe In B Flat Rv 548 - Largo
Concerto For Violin And Oboe In B Flat Rv 548 - Allegro
12 Concerti Grossi Op.3(Lestro Armonico)Concerto In D Major Op.3 No.9 Rv230 (Ada
12 Concerti Grossi Op.3(Lestro Armonico)Concerto In D Major Op.3 No.9 Rv230-Larg
12 Concerti Grossi Op.3(Lestro Armonico)Concerto In D Major Op.3 No.9 Rv230(Adag
12 Concerti Grossi Op.3(Lestro Armonico)Op.3concerto For 2 Violins And Cello In
12 Concerti Grossi Op.3(Lestro Armonico)Op.3concerto For 2 Violins And Cello In
12 Concerti Grossi Op.3(Lestro Armonico)Op.3 Concerto For 2 Violins And Cello In
12 Concerti Grossi Op.3(Lestro Armonico)Op.3concerto For 2 Violins And Cello In

Album Description

Classical virtuoso kicks some major butt down here in Australia packing out concert halls from coast to coast. Check out this Oz exclusive Tour Edition featuring a bonus CD

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Vivaldi: The Four Seasons Nigel Kennedy

Manufacturer: EMI/BMG
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD
ASIN: B0009U6V3G

Product Description

Tracks 1 - 3 are Concerto No. 1 in E 'La primavera'. Tracks 4 - 6 are Concerto No. 2 in G minor 'L'estate'. Tracks 7 - 8 are Concerto No. 3 in F 'L'autunno'. Tracks 10 - 12 are Concerto No. 4 in F minor 'L'inverno.

Music Review:

Music Review

music review

Music Review

Velocity : Design : Comfort

Loeffler: Forgotten Songs

Give Me Your Bunch of Fives

Harbinger [Import]

Kulma

New Age Music

Le Lundi Au Soleil [Import]

Near Truths and Hotel Rooms Live [Live]

Live at the Performance Centre [Import] [Live]

Lit Deuce Coupe

Monk's Mood/Well You Needn't [Import]

Lo Baila la Gente

Johnny Laboriel, 40 Años De Rock & Roll, Sonambulo - Venus - A Traves De Los Años

Mozart: Concerto No. 22, K482; Concerto No. 26, K537

Dreaming