NIGEL KENNEDY/ANTONIO VIVALDI

NIGEL KENNEDY

VIVALDI (2003)
320 KBPS

Not content with having produced one wildly successful recording of Vivaldi's Four Seasons in 1989, Nigel Kennedy, irrepressible enfant terrible of the violin world, apparently decided it was time for another version to display the new insights and ideas he had gained during those years. And indeed the differences are far-reaching and fundamental. The old version was relatively conventional, faithful to the score in text and spirit, with moderate tempi and no exaggerations. The new version's motto might be "everything to excess": tempi, tempo changes, dynamics. The sound effects are realistic to nature, but unnatural to string instruments, and there is a lot of scratching in the loud, vigorous sections. Perhaps in a nod to baroque practice, there are swells on the long notes, crescendos and decrescendos on ascending and descending lines, unvibrated passage, and long pauses before final notes. This is the first of a multi-disc collaboration between Kennedy and the musicians of the Berlin Philharmonic, called "The Vivaldi Project," and it is interesting that these famously tradition-conscious, staid players seem quite comfortable with his iconoclastic approach. Phrasing, articulation, and spirit are remarkably unanimous; the balance is fine with very strong cellos and basses. In the two double concertos--one famous, one unknown, both delightful--whose fast movements are taken at break-neck speed, the concertmaster matches Kennedy in verve and virtuosity, no mean feat. In spite of all his excesses, Kennedy's playing is superb; his technique is brilliant, his tone has a beguiling, aching sweetness. He is in his element in the improvisations; indeed they sometimes take on a life of their own. The most convincing, satisfying parts are the slow movements: played with unspoiled simplicity, deep expressiveness, and repose, they speak straight to the heart. Here, one feels, is where the real Kennedy comes out.

Concerto for 2 Violins in A Minor, RV 522
1. I. Allegro
2. II. Larghetto e spirituoso
3. III. Allegro
The Four Seasons
Spring
in E major, Op. 8/1, RV 269
4. I. Allegro
5. II. Largo
6. III. Allegro
Summer
in G minor, Op. 8/2, RV 315
7. I. Allegro non molto - Allegro - (Allegro non molto)
8. II. Adagio
9. III. Presto
Autumn
in F major, Op. 8/3, RV 293
10. I. Allegro - Larghetto - Allegro assai
11. II. Adagio molto
12. III. Allegro
Winter
in F minor, Op. 8/4, RV 297
13. I. Allegro non molto
14. II. Largo
15. III. Allegro - Lento - (Allegro)
Concerto for 2 Violins in D Major, RV 511
16. I. Allegro molto - Adagio - Allegro
17. II. Largo
18. III. Allegro

VIVALDI 2 (2005)
320 KBPS

In his second CD of Vivaldi violin concertos and sonatas for EMI, though, he's on his best behavior. Even if you've never warmed up to the violinist — even if you've never warmed up to the composer — give it a try.
The British musician leads the Berlin Philharmonic as well as acting as soloist. The German orchestral players seem much more ready to modify their performance styles to suit Kennedy's ideas on how the music should go than their American counterparts.
Kennedy tones down his vibrato to simulate authentic period style, and so does the band. The violinist also glides lightly over ornaments and runs. This is Vivaldi with a light touch — but a big impact.
The seven pieces here contrast nicely in mood and form. If you believe the old saw about Vivaldi writing the same concerto 600 times, this might convince you otherwise.

Concerto for 2 Violins in A major, RV519
1. I. Allegro
2. II. Largo
3. III. Allegro
Concerto for 2 Violins in A minor, RV356
4. I. Allegro
5. II. Largo
6. III. Allegro
Concerto for 2 violins in C Major RV507
7. I. Allegro
8. II. Largo
9. III. Allegro
Solo Sonata No.2 in D minor, RV 12
10. I. Preludio. Largo
11. II. Corrente. Allegro
12. II. Presto
13. IV. Giga. Allegro
Concerto for violin & oboe in B flat RV548
14. I. Allegro
15. II. Largo
16. III. Allegro
Concerto in D major op3 no9 RV230
17. I. Adagio, Allegro
18. II. Larghetto
19. III. Adagio, Allegro
Concerto for 2 violins and cello in G minor RV578
20. I. Adagio e spiccato
21. II. Allegro
22. III. Larghetto
23. IV. Allegro