About Nigel Kennedy

• Biography

About Lynn Harrell

• Biography

Editorial Reviews

Before he went all weird with outlandish costumes, crossover repertoire, and rock star behavior, Kennedy (the artist formerly known as Nigel Kennedy) was one of the most satisfying violinists of his generation, with versions of the Elgar and Walton concertos (both for violin and viola) to match the very best in the catalogue. In marked contrast to the recent Classic Kennedy album, which offers everything from Vivaldi to Joni Mitchell in performances of dubious taste and merit, his unusual and unusually satisfying EMI recording of duos with Lynn Harrell is one of his best outings yet. Neither Ravel's masterful Sonata for Violin and Cello nor Kodaly's vibrant Duo, Op. 7, is heard very often, but Kennedy's celebrity and the thrilling nature of these performances might help change that. With each musician sensitive to every inflection and nuance of the other's playing, yet fearless in taking individual risks, this is the most exciting kind of music making. The arrangements of a Handel passacaglia and a Bach two-part invention also emerge with such tremendous character and conviction that you hope a second album -- arrangements of the Mozart duos, perhaps? -- might be in the works. Jim Svejda, Barnes & Noble

Customer Reviews

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