VIOLIN CONCERTOS

Nigel Kennedy (violin) & English Chamber Orchestra, Jeffrey Tate

Bruch:
 Violin Concerto No. 1 in G minor, Op. 26
 
Mendelssohn:
 Violin Concerto in E minor, Op. 64
 
Schubert:
 Rondo for violin and strings in A major, D438

"These are exceptionally strong and positive performances, vividly recorded. When it comes to the two main works, Kennedy readily holds his own against all comers. His view of the Mendelssohn has a positive, masculine quality established at the very start. He may at first seem a little fierce, but fantasy goes with firm control, and the transition into the second subject on a descending arpeggio (marked tranquillo) is radiantly beautiful, the more affecting by contrast with the power of what has gone before.

Kennedy is unerringly helped by Jeffrey Tate's refreshing and sympathetic support. Though it's the English Chamber Orchestra accompanying, there's no diminution of scale. With full and wellbalanced sound, the piece even seems bigger, more symphonic than usual. In the slow movement Kennedy avoids sentimentality in his simple, songful view. The coda is always a big test in this work, and Kennedy's and Tate's reading is among the most powerful and exciting on record.

The Bruch brings another warm and positive performance, consistently sympathetic, with the orchestra once more adding to the power. Kennedy's more than a match for rival versions, again bringing a masculine strength which goes with a richly expressive yet unsentimental view of Bruch's exuberant lyricism as in the central slow movement. Thoroughly recommended."
Gramophone Classical Music Guide - 2010