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Amazon.co.uk Review
The thing with the artist formerly known as Nigel is that his audience never knows what he might do next, and that, we must assume, is the way Kennedy likes it. This release of duos for violin and cello presents music that conventionally wouldn't be found on a single disc, the concise notes stating that the Bach and Handel pieces represent the "very antithesis" of the "linear approach" of the Kodály and Ravel. This contrast-and-compare approach offers effective insight into possibly unfamiliar music, a diversity closer to a concert programme than a regular CD.
Ravel's Sonata for violin and cello is far removed from the composer's lush orchestral sound, a stark anticipation of Bartók's Third Piano Concerto. Kodály's Duo provides warmth, strongly infused with the folk tradition of the composer's native Hungary. Cellist Lynn Harrell clearly has an affinity for such music (he's simultaneously released a recording of Miklós Rózsa's Cello Concerto). The Baroque-derived works are much shorter, the Bach being a new transcription of the Two-Part Invention No.6, the Handel Passacaglia a hybrid adapted by the Norwegian conductor Johan Halvorsen from the Harpsichord Suite No.7. With superb sound and intensely focused playing, this imaginative programme offers highly committed music-making. --Gary S Dalkin
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
PASSIONATE duos of Ravel, Kodaly + Bach,
By
This review is from: Kennedy and Harrell: Duos for Violin and Cello (Audio CD)
the other amazon review rightly mentions the often bad press former "l'enfant-terrible" violinist Nigel Kennedy has suffered over the years in equal measure to almost begrudging respect for several of his key recordings (Elgar violin concerto, Four Seasons both on EMI amongst others). However, the other review doesnt really mention the music SO ...
this cd of duos performed with Lynn Harrell (also well repected over the years on several recordings (Saint-Seans cello concerto etc)is a fine antidote to my ears to the over-polished polite recordings that be-devil many classical releases. finesse is one thing, but lack of passion in playing is inexcusable. important lesser-known works from personal favourites: the famous Ravel + under-rated hungarian Zoltan Kodaly (Bartok's close friend), together with interesting "filler" short works of Bach ( a transciption)and Handel. its the fire, passion (and anger almost), i think that Kennedy + Harrell instill in these works that impresses me. NOT polite performances or music, but the kind of cd that might convert the adventurous alt pop or modern avant-jazz fan to this sparse modern classical music. Not always easy listening, but nothing less than compelling.
5 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Nothing dilletante or "posey" about this,
By Dobester (Istanbul, Turkey) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Kennedy and Harrell: Duos for Violin and Cello (Audio CD)
This is a brilliant record of cello and violin duos. Messrs Kennedy and Harrell play together as a real partnership, seemingly as skilled at telepathy as they are at playing their instruments. Mr Kennedy gets far more than his share of bad press, ranging from the petty to the downright derogatory. Since most of this seems to concern his character and "look", who cares? It's a cd: it's not as if he's playing a concert in your living room and "annoying" you personally. Give him a break: he plays beautifully, and his repertoire is inspired. The four pieces here are full of zest and energy, and fill the listener with the same.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews on Amazon.com (beta) Amazon.com:
4.0 out of 5 stars (3 customer reviews) 34 of 35 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Looking for Intensity? Go Here.,
By Brian Forst - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Kennedy and Harrell: Duos for Violin and Cello (Audio CD)
This is a 57-minute collaboration of inspired string playing by two extraordinary musicians playing at the top of their games. Lynn Harrell shreds his normally buttoned-down approach and matches Kennedy's boiling bow bar for bar in this time-space voyage from French fantasy, to baroque repetition with variation, to Hungarian folk, and back to Bach. In the opening sonata duo, the pair move seamlessly from cool and lyrical to spitfire hot and back in a take-no-prisoners interpretation of Ravel at his bizarre best. The two transport their intensity back 200 years in Halvorsen's adaptation of Handel's minor key harpsicord passacaglia. They then pass from passacaglia to Bartok's gypsy passion, taking it to the limit and beyond. Harrell and Kennedy go from seething to soothing in closing with Bach's sweet E major two-part invention. What a ride!Who says classical music is boring? 1 of 15 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Not quite what I expected but very good.,
By M. S. Tucker "subversive snot" - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Kennedy and Harrell: Duos for Violin and Cello (Audio CD)
I got this CD as a "package" along with a baroque CD I was quite familiar with. I have always been partial to the cello, and thought this sounded like a great buy, which it is. I like it..but I have to keep listening to it. Becuase it is only cello and violin, some of the compositions remind me of scores from psychological thrillers or horror movies, which isn't necessarily a bad thing, it's just, a bit heavy. The musicians are amazing however, so it makes this purchase worthwile. Perhaps I just need a bit more maturity for this.
4 of 44 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
It's sweet,
By A Customer - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Kennedy and Harrell: Duos for Violin and Cello (Audio CD)
This CD reminds me of summer camp . . . we played many of these tunes for fun. It would be wonderful to hear Mr. Harrell play Cole Porter with another cellist. That would be prima!
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