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Product Description
ORIGINAL 1991 ISSUE CD ALBUM AS SHOWN . EMI CD NIGE 3
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
27 of 30 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
In a word, this recording is breathtaking. Brahms' genius is superbly displayed in the long first movement, in which he gave himself all the space he needed to develop the theme of the piece to such an extent that the result is a completely fulfilling, emotional and evocative whole. The melody is simple and effective, the orchstration exquisite. The second and inevitably slow second movement, whilst undeniably graceful, fails to measure up to the splendour of the first. It is tranquil, but not especially moody. The final movement of the piece is a lively show-piece for the soloist, and perhaps the sense of festivity rather detracts from the dramatic feeling of the piece thus far. Overall the concerto lacks continuity; the second movement is quite disparate from the first, and the third even more so. But what endures is the quality of the music; at points it is heartbrakingly beautiful, at others absorbing and fun. To give it anything but five stars would be a crime.
Kennedy's playing is vigorous and dazzling; one would expect nothing less. He lends the same freshness to this recording as he did to Vivaldi's Four Seasons, and in my opinion this is to the benefit of the piece. However, whilst imaginative he remains tastefully economic with his flare, perceptibly in the third movement. It feels that Kennedy wishes to deliver the music rather than a demonstration of his finesse with the fiddle. I for one find this performance much more palatable than, for instance, that of Maxim Vengerov, for precisely this reason.
Overall, this is a recording not to be missing from anyone's collection. Even if you own a different version, I would recommend buying this one also simply because of its intriguing perspective on a wonderful masterpiece. The music has something to offer anyone.
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
By LovelyHead
Format:Audio CD|Amazon Verified Purchase
I can't recall where I read it but Nigel Kennedy apparently disliked this recording. For a simple listener like me, that's hard to understand but then, what do I know? I used to date a soprano and I remember how distraught she once was about her performance in a Vivaldi recital despite the universally ecstatic audience response. Artists are often their own worst critics. This recording dates from when Kennedy was at the height of his fame and I presume he had the best of everything at his disposal - recording personnel, equipment, acoustic environment, as well as lots of time with conductor and orchestra, the sum of which seems apparent to me in the technical quality of the final product. I love how clearly you can here Kennedy's breathing and his fingertips tap-tapping on the neck of his instrument during the 1st movement cadenza. (As a side note, I personally really like Kennedy's cadenza from this period, compared with the standard Joachim cadenza).
I can only assume Kennedy's dissatisfaction related to his interpretation of the piece, the nuanced execution which to any mortal listener may sound brilliant but which to the artist, climbing an ever flattening curve towards the unattainable summit of perfection, is beneath his aspirations. All I know is that, for me, the listening experience of this recording is sublime.
I can only assume Kennedy's dissatisfaction related to his interpretation of the piece, the nuanced execution which to any mortal listener may sound brilliant but which to the artist, climbing an ever flattening curve towards the unattainable summit of perfection, is beneath his aspirations. All I know is that, for me, the listening experience of this recording is sublime.
5 of 6 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
I may not be the most knowledgable person to judge but I consider this CD to be a truly magnificent piece of work. The exquisite playing of Kennedy together with the brilliance of Tennssted make this an unmissable listening experience. I have bought no fewer than six of these CD's as gifts for my friends.
Format:Audio CD|Amazon Verified Purchase
I have several recordings of this concerto but this is the best so far. Kennedy plays his own cadenzas which give a rich and balanced flavour to the music and the whole piece is conducted beautifully.
5 of 8 people found the following review helpful
By CJ
Format:Audio CD
This is a fantastic CD. The performance is powerful, dramatic and lyrical, and the music is bold and magnificent. A strongly recommended CD.
2 of 6 people found the following review helpful
By femi
Format:Audio CD
This is my favourite kennedy piece of all time. Three of Brahms violin concerto on a grand scale but at the same time, moody and full of emotion. My only negative is the CD is too short at just over 45 mins.
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