Dive into the enchanting world of Nigel Kennedy's "Classic Kennedy," a timeless collection of 20 captivating tracks that showcase the violinist's unparalleled virtuosity and eclectic taste. Released on October 4, 1999, under Warner Classics, this album spans a rich tapestry of classical genres, from Baroque to Impressionist, Romantic to Modern, offering a comprehensive journey through the evolution of classical music.
Kennedy's renditions of beloved classics such as Vivaldi's "The Four Seasons" and Bach's "Air" from Orchestral Suite No. 3 are as breathtaking as ever, while his unique arrangements of pieces like Gershwin's "Preludes" and Satie's "Gymnopédies" bring a fresh, contemporary twist to these timeless compositions. The album also features traditional English ballads like "Scarborough Fair" and "Danny Boy," adding a touch of folk charm to the classical repertoire.
"Classic Kennedy" is not just a compilation of Nigel Kennedy's finest performances; it's a testament to his artistic versatility and deep respect for the classical tradition. Whether you're a seasoned classical enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this album promises to captivate and inspire with its blend of technical brilliance and heartfelt expression. With a duration of 1 hour and 19 minutes, this album is perfect for a relaxing evening or a focused listening session.
Vivaldi: The Four Seasons, Violin Concerto in G Minor, Op. 8 No. 2, RV 315 "Summer": III. PrestoAntonio Vivaldi, Nigel Kennedy, English Chamber Orchestra, Harold Lester
Traditional: Scarborough Fair (English Ballad)Traditional, Nigel Kennedy, English Chamber Orchestra, Paul Barritt
Brahms: 21 Hungarian Dances, WoO 1: No. 5 in G Minor (Orch. Kennedy, Lenehan, Messiter)Johannes Brahms, Nigel Kennedy, English Chamber Orchestra
Chopin / Arr. Kennedy, Lenehan & Messiter for Violin and Orchestra: Nocturne No. 20 in C-Sharp Minor, Op. Posth.Frédéric Chopin, Nigel Kennedy, English Chamber Orchestra, Paul Barritt
Satie / Arr. Kennedy, Lenehan & Messiter for Violin and Orchestra: 3 Gymnopédies: No. 2, Lent et tristeErik Satie, Nigel Kennedy, English Chamber Orchestra, David Heath, Paul Barritt
Gershwin: 3 Preludes: No. 1, Allegro ben ritmato e deciso (Arr. for Violin and Orchestra)George Gershwin, Nigel Kennedy, English Chamber Orchestra, Paul Barritt
Bach, JS: Orchestral Suite No. 3 in D Major, BWV 1068: II. AirJohann Sebastian Bach, Nigel Kennedy, English Chamber Orchestra, Harold Lester, John Anderson, Paul Barritt
Traditional: Londonderry Air, "Danny Boy" (English Ballad)Traditional, Nigel Kennedy, English Chamber Orchestra, Paul Barritt
Monti, Vittorio: Csárdás for Violin and Orchestra (Largo maestoso - Allegro vivace - Meno quasi lento - Allegretto)Vittorio Monti, Nigel Kennedy, English Chamber Orchestra, Paul Barritt
Handel: Solomon, HWV 67, Act 3: Sinfonia. "The Arrival of the Queen of Sheba"George Frideric Handel, Nigel Kennedy, English Chamber Orchestra, Paul Barritt
Gounod: Ave Maria, CG 89a (Version for Violin and Orchestra)Charles Gounod, Johann Sebastian Bach, Nigel Kennedy, English Chamber Orchestra, Paul Barritt
Debussy: Préludes, Livre I, CD 125, L. 117: No. 8, La fille aux cheveux de lin (Arr. for Violin and Orchestra)Claude Debussy, Nigel Kennedy, English Chamber Orchestra, Paul Barritt
Satie / Arr. Kennedy, Lenehan & Messiter for Violin and Orchestra: 3 Gymnopédies: No. 1, Lent et douloureuxErik Satie, Nigel Kennedy, English Chamber Orchestra, John Anderson, Julie Price, Paul Barritt
Gershwin: 3 Preludes: No. 2, Andante con moto "Blue Lullaby" (Arr. for Violin and Orchestra)George Gershwin, Nigel Kennedy, English Chamber Orchestra, Paul Barritt
Rimsky-Korsakov: The Tale of Tsar Saltan, Act 3: Flight of the Bumblebee (Orch. Kennedy, Lenehan, Messiter)Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov, Nigel Kennedy, English Chamber Orchestra
Kroll: Banjo and Fiddle (Orch. Kennedy, Lenehan, Messiter)William Kroll, Nigel Kennedy, English Chamber Orchestra
Sarasate: Zigeunerweisen, Op. 20Pablo de Sarasate, Nigel Kennedy, English Chamber Orchestra, Greg Knowles
Mitchell: Urge for Going (Instrumental Arrangement of the B-Side Track of the Joni Mitchell Single "You Turn Me on I'm a Radio")Joni Mitchell, Nigel Kennedy, English Chamber Orchestra, Paul Barritt
Kennedy : Melody in the WindNigel Kennedy, English Chamber Orchestra, Paul Barritt