On "Inner Thoughts"
"There's no question about the calibre of these recordings... It's a tribute to his outstanding career"
For over twenty-five years, Nigel Kennedy has been acknowledged as one of the world's leading violin virtuosos and is one of the most important violinists Britain has ever produced. His virtuosic technique, unique talent and mass appeal have brought fresh perspectives to both the classical and contemporary repertoire. He is the best selling classical violinist worldwide.

This album combines his first-ever Mozart recording with a fresh perspective on the Beethoven violin concerto he first recorded in 1992. He collaborates again with the Polish Chamber Orchestra of which he has been Artistic Director since 2002. He directs the orchestra from the violin in both concertos to achieve a more direct communication of the orchestra members and the cadenzas are very much his own.

Kennedy says the main reason for re-approaching the Beethoven concerto is that today, he hears the piece as having more rhythmic vitality which he wants to bring out in his new recording, despite still cherishing his first recording with Tennstedt, which he said had a more old-fashioned, romantic approach and was played slower.

Listen out for the Mozart cadenza which definitely gives the piece a contemporary edge. It was recorded with his electric violin and Kennedy expresses in it what the concerto means to him personally and wants to open listeners' minds to change their view of the piece. He has also introduced a harpsichord to the work which adds warmth and gives it even more life.

Customer Rating:
Summary: for the adventerous
Comment: i too am a fan of nigel kennedy , but this recording doesnt do anything for me though as ever it is exceptionaly well played...but the combination of "modern" bits in among the classical music only distracts me..i like one or the other but if you are more adventurous than me,i highly recomend it!

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Customer Rating:
Summary: Still the greatest violinist
Comment: I have been a fan of Nigel Kennedy since he became famous with his Four Seasons recording abotu 20 years ago and was amazed to hear the same sense of freshness and energy in this new recording of Beethoven and Mozart. I would definitely recommend this CD.

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Customer Rating:
Summary: A breath of fresh air.....?
Comment: Er...that cadenza. I love it. It's awesome. It's fresh, it's different, it has absolutely nothing to do with Mozart, but I love it. It's otherworldly. You're listening to Mozart, then you're in a different universe, then you find yourself listening to Mozart again. It makes me think Nigel Kennedy should write his own Violin Concerto, and perform it himself. I'm not sure what the purists, or 'cognoscenti' will think of it, but there are plenty of other 'straight' performances of these pieces. This is a breath of fresh air, I think.

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