Nigel Kennedy, the renowned violinist known for his electrifying performances and innovative interpretations, presents "Uncensored," a captivating album released on November 25, 2021, under Warner Classics. This classical masterpiece spans an impressive three hours and seven minutes, offering a rich and diverse collection of compositions that showcase Kennedy's virtuosic talent and eclectic taste.
The album opens with Vivaldi's iconic "The Four Seasons," featuring the lively "Spring" and the intense "Summer" concertos, demonstrating Kennedy's ability to bring these baroque works to life with vibrant energy and precision. The selection continues with Bach's profound and intricate violin concertos, including the moving "Andante" from the Violin Concerto No. 1 in A Minor and the dynamic "Allegro" from the Concerto for Two Violins in D Minor.
Kennedy's repertoire extends to Bruch's Violin Concerto No. 1 in G Minor, where his expressive playing shines through the Prelude, Adagio, and Finale. The album also includes works by Karlowicz, Elgar, Brahms, and Beethoven, each piece chosen to highlight Kennedy's versatility and deep musical insight.
In addition to these classical staples, "Uncensored" features Kennedy's own compositions, such as "From Adam to Eve," "Fallen Forest," and "Nice Bottle of Beaujolais, Innit?," offering a glimpse into his creative genius. The album concludes with a poignant rendition of Gershwin's "The Man I Love" and an original piece titled "Riverman," showcasing Kennedy's ability to blend classical traditions with contemporary influences.
"Uncensored" is not just a collection of tracks but a testament to Nigel Kennedy's artistic brilliance, offering listeners a profound and engaging musical experience. Whether you're a seasoned classical enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this album promises to captivate and inspire.
Vivaldi: The Four Seasons, Violin Concerto in E Major, Op. 8 No. 1, RV 269 "Spring": I. AllegroAntonio Vivaldi, Nigel Kennedy, English Chamber Orchestra
Vivaldi: The Four Seasons, Violin Concerto in G Minor, Op. 8 No. 2, RV 315 "Summer": II. AdagioAntonio Vivaldi, Nigel Kennedy, English Chamber Orchestra
Vivaldi: The Four Seasons, Violin Concerto in G Minor, Op. 8 No. 2, RV 315 "Summer": III. PrestoAntonio Vivaldi, Nigel Kennedy, English Chamber Orchestra
Vivaldi: L'estro armonico, Concerto for Two Violins in A Minor, Op. 3 No. 8, RV 522 "Per eco in lontano": II. Larghetto e spiritosoAntonio Vivaldi, Nigel Kennedy, Daniel Stabrawa, Berliner Philharmoniker
Vivaldi: L'estro armonico, Violin Concerto in A Minor, Op. 3 No. 6, RV 356: I. AllegroAntonio Vivaldi, Nigel Kennedy, Berliner Philharmoniker, Daniel Stabrawa, Mitzi Meyerson, Olaf Maninger, Taro Takeuchi
Bach, JS: Violin Concerto No. 1 in A Minor, BWV 1041: II. AndanteJohann Sebastian Bach, Nigel Kennedy, Berliner Philharmoniker
Bach, JS: Concerto for Two Violins in D Minor, BWV 1043: II. Largo ma non tantoJohann Sebastian Bach, Nigel Kennedy, Daniel Stabrawa, Berliner Philharmoniker
Bach, JS: Concerto for Two Violins in D Minor, BWV 1043: III. AllegroJohann Sebastian Bach, Nigel Kennedy, Daniel Stabrawa, Berliner Philharmoniker
Bruch: Violin Concerto No. 1 in G Minor, Op. 26: I. Prelude. Allegro moderatoMax Bruch, Nigel Kennedy, English Chamber Orchestra, Jeffrey Tate
Bruch: Violin Concerto No. 1 in G Minor, Op. 26: II. AdagioMax Bruch, Nigel Kennedy, English Chamber Orchestra, Jeffrey Tate
Bruch: Violin Concerto No. 1 in G Minor, Op. 26: III. Finale. Allegro energicoMax Bruch, Nigel Kennedy, English Chamber Orchestra, Jeffrey Tate
Karlowicz: Violin Concerto in A Major, Op. 8: II. Romanza (Andante)Mieczysław Karłowicz, Nigel Kennedy, Polish Chamber Orchestra, Jacek Kaspszyk, Polish Radio Chamber Orchestra
Elgar: Violin Concerto in B Minor, Op. 61: I. AllegroEdward Elgar, Nigel Kennedy, Vernon Handley, London Philharmonic Orchestra
Elgar: Violin Concerto in B Minor, Op. 61: II. AndanteEdward Elgar, Nigel Kennedy, Vernon Handley, London Philharmonic Orchestra
Brahms: Violin Concerto in D Major, Op. 77: III. Allegro giocoso, ma non troppo vivaceJohannes Brahms, Nigel Kennedy, Klaus Tennstedt, London Philharmonic Orchestra
Beethoven: Violin Concerto in D Major, Op. 61: II. Larghetto (Live)Ludwig van Beethoven, Nigel Kennedy, Klaus Tennstedt, NDR-Sinfonieorchester
Beethoven: Violin Concerto in D Major, Op. 61: III. Rondo. Allegro (Cadenza by Kennedy)Ludwig van Beethoven, Nigel Kennedy, Polish Chamber Orchestra
From Adam to EveBrix E. Smith, Nigel Kennedy, Stephen Duffy
Fallen ForestNigel Kennedy
Ellington / Arr. Kennedy: Black, Brown and Beige Suite: V. Come SundayDuke Ellington, Nigel Kennedy, Alec Dankworth
Stranger in a Stranger LandNigel Kennedy
Gershwin / Arr. Kennedy: The Man I LoveGeorge Gershwin, Nigel Kennedy
Kennedy: Nice Bottle of Beaujolais, Innit?Nigel Kennedy, Nigel Kennedy Quintet
Breathing StoneCaroline Lavelle, Dave Bottrill, Doug Boyle, Nigel Kennedy
Soleil Levant Sur La SeineDave Bottrill, Nigel Kennedy
RivermanNick Drake, Nigel Kennedy Quintet, Boy George, John Themis