Nigel Kennedy and Vivaldi

[Barbirollians]

I noted PG's reference in the discussion of Kenndy's New Four Seasons being puffed energetically by Sony this month - Nige looks more ridiculous than ever in the pictures accompanying the article .

It sounds terrible and I always could not abide his original 1989 account either after which he became a celeb appearing all over the place .

I wonder ,however, why BBCMM failed to mention that of course he has already made another version in his collaboration with the Berlin Philharmonic - an exceptionally good one too as all those records were and surprisingly HIPP.

Perhaps it is embarrassingly uncool now to admit that he made musically excellent but not mucked about with version .

[Dave2002]

Nigel is not the only one to have "mucked about". Gidon Kremer Eight Seasons. Red Priest - very vibrant version - and certainly worth hearing - or seeing live in performance.

[mikealdren]

IIRC Anne Sophie Mutter's norwegian recording is also very wayward

[richardfinegold]

How old is the Ageing Football Hooligan?

[gurnemanz]

Nigel is not the only one to have "mucked about". Gidon Kremer Eight Seasons. Red Priest - very vibrant version - and certainly worth hearing - or seeing live in performance.

Not at all fair to refer to Kremer's version as "mucking about". The Seasons are done straight in superb performances and juxtaposed next to Piazzolla in an attempt to show both works in a new light. On CD it is easy to programme the tracks to weed out either Piazzolla (or Vivaldi) if you don't want them. The disc is thoroughly recommendable (assessment here).

[visualnickmos]

Not sure I agree with all this 'Nige bashing'. He's a damn fine violinist, and has made some stunning recordings. As a performer, he is a sure-fire crowd-puller; what's wrong with any of that?

[BBMmk2]

Quite so, Visual!

[Barbirollians]

Not sure I agree with all this 'Nige bashing'. He's a damn fine violinist, and has made some stunning recordings. As a performer, he is a sure-fire crowd-puller; what's wrong with any of that?

Indeed he has VN and that is my point when he chooses to act like a serious musician he is a very fine one.

[Beef Oven!]

Indeed he has VN and that is my point when he chooses to act like a serious musician he is a very fine one.

?

[pastoralguy]

I've mentioned this before but I'll say again. Nigel Kennedy is the only musician I've ever seen getting a standing ovation at the end of a first movement! This was in Glasgow circa 1980 when he played the Tchaikovsky concerto with the SNO. Quite incredible. I've followed him since he wa 18 and I was 15 when he used to play regularly with the SNO. It was obvious that he was a very special talent.

However, since he appears more interested in being an 'entertainer' than a serious musician I've often found my patience tested! Musician friends who have worked with him have retold unpleasant stories.

At least he's his own man but I do wonder if he has wasted some of his talent. Mind you, both his Elgar concerto recordings can bring tears to a glass eye.

[ferneyhoughgeliebte]

Not sure I agree with all this 'Nige bashing'.

"All"???

[visualnickmos]

"All"???

Yes "All"

[visualnickmos]

I've mentioned this before but I'll say again. Nigel Kennedy is the only musician I've ever seen getting a standing ovation at the end of a first movement! This was in Glasgow circa 1980 when he played the Tchaikovsky concerto with the SNO. Quite incredible. I've followed him since he wa 18 and I was 15 when he used to play regularly with the SNO. It was obvious that he was a very special talent.

However, since he appears more interested in being an 'entertainer' than a serious musician I've often found my patience tested! Musician friends who have worked with him have retold unpleasant stories.

At least he's his own man but I do wonder if he has wasted some of his talent. Mind you, both his Elgar concerto recordings can bring tears to a glass eye.

Now this is the sort of stuff good juicy threads are made of! Elucidate, ye.....!

Also - there are plenty of other 'serious' musicians who have attempted the entertainer thing; opera singers trying to do musicals or at worst - even 'pop!!!!!' and making complete t***s of themselves. NK as an entertainer has them eating out of his hand - if one finds it's not to one's taste - don't listen...... simple, but do not criticise him for being successful at what he does - we all need to make a living.

[Beef Oven!]

However, since he appears more interested in being an 'entertainer' than a serious musician I've often found my patience tested!

At least he's his own man but I do wonder if he has wasted some of his talent. Mind you, both his Elgar concerto recordings can bring tears to a glass eye.

?

[pastoralguy]

?

Let's just say that Mr. Heifetz managed a pretty successful career without the extra musical antics.