Here's a personal, somewhat related anecdote: Nigel Kennedy came to New Zealand in about 1997 and played this concerto with our orchestra. I had only been playing professionally for about a year and, as a young violinist, in a far-flung part of the world, having someone of his reputation and calibre play with us was incredible. A few things from that visit that I remember to this day: 1) He listened to/watched the Spice Girls in his dressing room as they were big at the time. 2) Someone put down a little square of carpet on the stage to dampen his stomping. 3) I sat at the back of the 2nd Violins with my seat being closest to the stage door and, every time he walked on stage, he'd give me a friendly pat on the back. 4) When he arrived at his first rehearsal with us, we were rehearsing Tchaikovsky's Romeo and Juliet Overture, and had just played the bit where all the strings have a furious run of semiquavers, when the conductor stopped us. From the doorway, someone shouted, "Yeah!". And that's how we met Nigel Kennedy. 5) We played the concert in our city and then toured to another city. The orchestra players were put up in a different hotel from Mr Kennedy. He came over to our hotel with his violin, and had an improvised jam session with members of the orchestra (I remember a double bassist and a trumpeter being involved - both excellent jazz musicians) into the wee hours of the morning. 6) A number of us collected his autograph after the concert and I thought I was being clever by getting him to sign my CD of him playing the Elgar. He just smiled and went, "That's topical." So, yeah. A memorable visit that has stuck with me for over 20 years. This video brought it all back. Sorry for the long, self-indulgent comment. Well done if you made it to the end!
When I had the privilege of working with NK way back in the 1980s he told us that he was playing in New York and he either forgot to pack his gig suit or it got lost so he want to Oxfam and found clothes that he felt comfortable to play in. The orchestra and audience loved it so he never went back to the more conventional outfit. He was so generous in rehearsal, we all loved him and when he walked through the orchestra it was like coming on to a premier league football game. And the was just the players. The audience picked up on our excitement and, needless to say, the performance was absolutely fantastic, unforgettable. If you don’t like what he wears get over it. Maybe not everyone likes what you wear. ❤
You all should keep your mouths shut, Close your eyes and listen the gifted true artist Nigel is, his mastery is unquestionable, his devotion to music undeniable, like it or not, one of the top Master Violinists of our time.
the only thing he ever wants to do every performance is to flex on other people with how fast he can play something; but it doesn't sound good. I mean, there is a recording of elgar conducting this himself and yehudi menuhin playing it much slower and he still doesn't realize, that he is impressing noone play playing it faster.
@@Hadriandidnothingwrong-z8c In my opinion Kennedy is one of the most musical violinists, not just technically gifted. Listen to his recordings of Brahms & Tchaikovsky. He takes the tempos a little slower and you can really hear all the notes.
@@Hadriandidnothingwrong-z8c I haven’t listened to much of Elgar so you might be right about this recording. I’ve noticed that Kennedy is just the opposite in his recordings of Brahms, Tchaikovsky, & Sibelius though.
@@Hadriandidnothingwrong-z8c The tempo is actually realy nice. An artist has liberty with the tempo, in collaberation with the conductor. Music is supposed to be performed "fresh", as though spontaneous/never played before. So your comparison with another recording or interpretation, or whether someone has listened to same and compared, is off-base/meaningless/unhelpful/off-point/irrelevant/bogus. (Sorry to lecture you, but your comment is ignorance.)
Kennedy never gets enough credit for his intelligence. He can unfold a phrase as well as anyone and his musical reading is peerless. For instance, not until this performance did I see that the roots of the second theme are to be found in the violin's opening development, The right performer for the right piece; so I am not bothered about the dress or anything else. Is he eccentric? does he stomp? Yes. Does it detract from the work? Not one iota.
As he gets older he dresses more like the orchestra which is great. He knows how much he owes to these wonderful musician. A true genius. He never plays like he is somehow above the other musicians.
Nigel Kennedy owns Elgar concerto. I’ve heard all other recordings available on recoding and on RU-vid, he bring the techniques, emotion, longing and urgency together like no other artists. His technique provides him with the foundation to express his youthful interpretation of this masterpiece
As a member of the Elgar Society I've never heard this wonderful work played with such emotional sensitivity. It's a work that makes you tearful anyway, but this blew me away. What a wonderful face he has.
Watched this musical gift from heaven ever since the BBC made a film of his early years.This performance ranks among the greatest and thanks to the sender for top quality sound and pictures.
There is surely always room in the world for a man of this sublime talent who shows such passion and also technique. Can't understand the snobbery in this day and age, we're lucky to have the man and what he offers. I love the Elgar concerto and he always plays it so brilliantly
Love the way Nigel leans upon the fiddle, his concentration, his oneness with the instrument. His intense playing also shows what a devilishly difficult, demanding thing the violin is. It looks simple but it takes a lifetime of teaching yourself how to get out of its way. Stunning, exquisite job. Chapeau.
Nigel Kennedy brings every note to life, the transition of the different emotional states of the work is absolutly beautifully executed. I do not understand that anyone does not notice it. He is an artist in all his sense, not just a virtuous violinist
Love Elgar. Kennedy's performance beautiful and heartfelt. This is the first time I've heard Nigel Kennedy. I will definitely listen to more of his work.
I love the brisk tempo of the first movement, his incredible energy, and--yes--his foot stomps, which all showcase Kennedy's unique virtuosity! His lyricism and attention to subtle nuances of each passage is completely at odds with his lackadaisical appearance. Undoubtably one of the best violinists playing one of the most awe-inspiring concertos in the world!!
I have paid my money through the gate to see this man perform on several occasions . If you are yet to do so and the opportunity presents itself, don’t hesitate. He is one of the great performers of our time.
Mercurial tempi :-) Proof positive that sometimes the English can write, play, understand and love music. Fantastic stuff, from the foot tapping :-) maestro Kennedy. Love it, esp since I was up in the Gallery listening to this performance, my eyes closed, leaning over the railings, and heart flooding out, down to the stage ♥ andrea
Not an Englishman but I find the tired meme about the English being a "land without music" quite odd. It the kind of thing people bring up as a shibolleth or signifier of cultural knowledge, but for me it actually implies the opposite (that they haven't bothered to explore what's out there). An honest appraisal of history reveals some great original English composers. People like Vaughan Williams and Holst. Coleridge Taylor and Bax and Bantock. You can easily say with each of these that they have their own voice aside from continental influence. Some of them were so unique they might even qualify as eccentrics. I found this old piano book in a charity shop the other day. From the 30s. A giant wad of English 17th century compositions, some incredibly beautiful.
the only thing he ever wants to do every performance is to flex on other people with how fast he can play something; but it doesn't sound good. I mean, there is a recording of elgar conducting this himself and yehudi menuhin playing it much slower and he still doesn't realize, that he is impressing noone play playing it faster.
This profoundly romantic Violin Concerto (the best in the 20th century) is Elgar's undisputed masterpiece (closely followed by the Cello Concerto, the Enigma Variations and the Symphonies) and Mr. Kennedy's performance of the work is excellent.
Elgar's violin concerto obviously is an interesting work; however I prefer his cello concerto, more sober, with less virtuoso's "effects": the themes have a wealth of inspiration and a depth which, subjectively touch me much more... ;-)
Ivan Greindl The #ElgarViolinConcerto has far more depth and complexity to the #ElgarCelloConcerto - if it is romantic then it's more unrequited love - it is very dark. #ElgarSymphonyNo1 is #Elgar's most romantic and nicest to listen to piece. NB: The Kennedy/Handley version of the VC is best, avoid the Rattle version, he has no understanding or appreciation.
What is the point in comparing them in a competitive way? While they differ in many respects from each other, the two concertos imo are both masterpieces of similar order, among the finest concertos ever written.
This is a glorious, astonishing performance. In his commitment and passion for this music, Kennedy reminds me of Menuhin, whom I heard play this, live.
Watch his passion, perfection and attitude when playing, not his clothes. How many years of studies, practices, personal sacrifices to achieve such perfection as an interpreter. In comparison, his clothes do not matter at all.
the only thing he ever wants to do every performance is to flex on other people with how fast he can play something; but it doesn't sound good. I mean, there is a recording of elgar conducting this himself and yehudi menuhin playing it much slower and he still doesn't realize, that he is impressing noone play playing it faster.
I'm a 72 yr old who adored the violin concertos when i was young.yehudi menuin i saw in edinburgh festtval. Nigel kennedy has made me feel so wonderful agaiwhat passion
All the comments here dissin' Mr. Kennedy's personal attributes and attire - NOT HIS PERFORMANCE - help affirm the old adage, that You Can Never Judge A Book By It's Cover. This clip is just Fantastic! Thanks for posting it!
righto--for once, I did not mind an artists' stage conformity--his total artistry was like a lasar beam drawing one in. nothing else mattered--he could have been in diapers and I wouldn't have noticed.
Some people is very aware of artists physical appearance, so what? Similar situation is with Yuja Wang; many people is aware about her fashion but not about her virtuosism. Clothing does not make the artist.
Authentic, that's how an artist must be, and should be. His quality as a violin player is authentic as well. Exciting, marvelous, unforgettable performance by Nigel. Besides an excellent orchestra and conductor. And Sir Edward Elgar's concerto at same level of his Master Piece, Enigma Variations!!!
This is a wonderful performance and, incidentally, the BBC Concert Orchestra and Paul Daniel are considerably better at accompanying than the Berlin Phil (with Zukerman) currently available on their website. The understanding of how to perform Elgar's music is on a completely different level.
And yet Elgar studied in Germany and it’s easier to hear the influence of Beethoven, Brahms and Wagner than anything paricularly ‘English’ in his music.
I like Nigel because he can play more than one style in music he so versatile, i'm a violinist too and once about 10 years ago i have played jazz with his sister in Sydney she is a wonderful double bass player too, and she looks identified with Nigel,
For what it's worth, this is the first time I felt moved by a performance of this concerto. For context, my father booked tickets to an upcoming performance of this concerto, and it's not really my style (but there are no other options for the weekend he's visiting), so I've been listening to various artists' take on this emotional piece. I genuinely think this is how this concerto was written and meant to be played. Sublime performance! Bravo!!
Kennedy's costume for a concert performance may be as meticulously chosen as that of an opera diva, but like the greatest divas, he delivers the goods. His sensitivity to the music's nuances and his beautiful tone are captivating.
Ben oui, pourquoi pas, il joue très bien, c'est du tout bon. Nous avons tellement l'habitude de regarder/écouter des musiciens calibrés ... là ça surprend. Il a raison, la musique, c'est pour se faire plaisir, pour l'interprète qui la joue et pour nous qui l'écoutons. Thanks a lot for this performance.
"A bit of romantic English music". Detractors just listen, watch without judging as of a fashion show, and see the extreme love and effort put into this piece. One of the best interpretations of our best English composer ever. God bless your talent, Nigel.
I love it when some of the audience clapped at the end of the first mvnt. and Nigel seemed to revel in it as if saying to himself "yea, go on clap if you feel like it....oh, sod it mate, sod the stuffy, high-brow convention of silence till only after the end of the final movement"...ha ha. What a great performance from both soloist and orchestra of a quintessentially English work from this great lyricist of a composer.
The highest pinnacle of the culture of western civilisation given birth by mother Greece. Skill and passion. The camerawork is all focused on the orchestra which draws you into the performance
Surely all the "dislikes" are from people who likes more to "look" videos and not "listen". Luckely for you guys there are many modern violinists who looks very nice...sadly it is very dificcult to listen one of this modern violinists and know who is playing if yoou didnt see the name before. But good for you guys! Personally I find he (Mr. Kennedy) is a very good musician who really can listen and produces a orginal interpretation like the mostly violinists and musicians of the golden era. Nice to discover you Mr. Kennedy!
the only thing he ever wants to do every performance is to flex on other people with how fast he can play something; but it doesn't sound good. I mean, there is a recording of elgar conducting this himself and yehudi menuhin playing it much slower and he still doesn't realize, that he is impressing noone play playing it faster.
SUPERLATIF ! Un peu rapide peut-être, mais la fin du premier mouvement donne la chair de poule; de plus, cette vélocité presque infernale n'est jamais au détriment de la musique; Pour le reste le violon de Kennedy est d'une chaleur et d'une musicalité à pleurer de bonheur. Tout le monde parle de l'apparence de Nigel Kennedy et il est vrai qu'à première vue on l'imaginerait plutôt dans un pub devant un gin ou un pale ale qu'un violon sous le menton... mais tout cela cache une grande sensibilité, une sensibilité qui s'exprime, qui rayonne dès qu'il joue. Musicien brillant et subtil, enflammé et précis. Un musicien exceptionnel. Merci orangejamtv pour ce partage.
Su música es maravillosa quien no tiene sensibilidad solo valorara su ejecución desde un plano técnico, y no alcanzará a sentir la maravilla del logro de la comprensión y transmisio´n global de su discurso que es pura belleza.
Listen from 9.27 - his intonation is impeccable. The double and triple stops. Absolute genius. So many run into problems starting here - not Kennedy. What an interpretation. And the pace -- awesome stuff.
the only thing he ever wants to do every performance is to flex on other people with how fast he can play something; but it doesn't sound good. I mean, there is a recording of elgar conducting this himself and yehudi menuhin playing it much slower and he still doesn't realize, that he is impressing noone play playing it faster.
He was made to play this work. NK is so unbelievably musical. ( Others talking about tempi abuse talk out of their hats.... The one thing not happening here is anyone rushing.)
Kennedy looks like he wants us to think that he rode a cool motorbike to the concert hall. But that's a fashion choice. Great to listen to!!! Many Thanks for posting
As a teenager fifty odd years ago I did struggle to find the key into this concerto. Then a critic reviewing the work on BBC Record Review said Elgar wrote the second movement whist staying in the Thames Valley, Suddenly I saw it. Many consider the concertos of Beethoven and Brahms to be the finest but for me the Elgar is the most beautiful of all. I don't know if it is performed around the world as much as the other two, I suspect not.
Good though this performance is, for me the tempo is rushed and, as a result, much of the violin's detail is lost. The ending, marked Maestoso, in more of an Allegro and I'm sorry about that - much of the grandeur is lost as a result. Try the Tasmin Little version or Yehudi Menhuin's (with the composer himself conducting) and you may see what I mean. Thank you very much for sharing this.
Kennedy's performance is remarkably good.Absolutely no reason why he should have to wear a tuxedo. Let him play in shorts if he wants. Snobbery has no place in musical appreciation. However,all said, the finest performance if this work has to be Pearlman with the Chicago Symphony conducted by Barenboim.
I really don't care about Nigel's fashion sense, he is the most outstanding modern interpreter of this magnificent concerto. He is not afraid to confront Elgar's insane outpouring of romance and yearning head on. Everyone else -particularly Zukerman- seems merely bound by duty.
A 2nd great performance that I heard of this difficult concerto!!The first was with Dora Scwarzberg and with Nigel Kennedy is also at the same artistry!
Just "nice"? He has won awards for this concerto and is one of its finest interpreters. He is trying to make the point that classical music need not be stuffy and has attracted large new audiences. I have been to several of his concerts where there are many people who would otherwise not go to such a concert. If you met him you would find that his dress is very much in character.
I didn't know you could clap in between movements. I just saw this concerto with Chloe Hanslip. Kennedy is no doubt a genius. I find the tempo for the first movement a bit fast for my taste. Nevertheless, amazing virtuosity from Kennedy...
Con todo respeto el que solo escucha los pisotones es que no es capaz de escuchar la belleza der su discurso y la magia de su estilo concertante con la orquesta.
