Who is Nigel Kennedy?
British violinist Nigel Kennedy is one of the world’s most recognised classical musicians, known for the phenomenal success of his Vivaldi Four Seasons recording with the English Chamber Orchestra, which sold over 3 million copies following its release in 1989. Known as a ‘Liberace of the nineties’, he bucked against the prevailing image of a straightlaced, besuited classical musician with his flamboyant dress, ‘mockney’ accent and punk haircut. In subsequent years, Kennedy expanded beyond the classical sphere into other genres, including jazz, klezmer and rock.
When and where was Nigel Kennedy born?
Kennedy was born in Brighton, England, on 28 December 1967. His grandfather was Lauri Kennedy, an Australian and principal cellist of the BBC Symphony Orchestra. His father, John Kennedy was born in England and became principal cellist of Sir Thomas Beecham's Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.
When did he first learn to play the violin?
Kennedy was a musical prodigy, who at the age of seven became a pupil at the Yehudi Menuhin School and a protégé of Menuhin himself. He later studied at the Juilliard School in New York with Dorothy DeLay. He made his recording debut in 1984 with Elgar's Violin Concerto.
Where does Nigel Kennedy live?
Kennedy divides his time between residences in the UK and Poland. He has one son and is married to Polish lawyer, Agnieszka.
What is Nigel Kennedy most famous for?
Kennedy’s 1989 recording of Vivaldi’s Four Seasons with the English Chamber Orchestra was phenomenally successful – selling more than 3 million copies and earning a place as one of the best-selling classical recordings of all time. The album remained at the top of the UK classical charts for almost two years.
Kennedy is also known for his anti-establishment dress and accent, his love of football and his socialist political views.
What have been the other highlights of Nigel Kennedy’s career?
In 1992 Kennedy announced his departure from the world of classical music, instead turning to jazz and rock collaborations and arrangements. He also explored the world of Klezmer with the Polish jazz band Kroke, and in 2005 recorded the Blue Note Sessions, featuring a band of jazz greats, including Ron Carter and Jack DeJohnette.
He didn’t abandon the classical world completely, however, returning to the Proms in 2008 after an absence of 21 years to perform Elgar’s Violin Concerto. He was also appointed artistic director of the Polish Chamber Orchestra in 2002 and in 2010 founded the Orchestra of Life, an ensemble of mainly young Polish musicians.
What violin does Nigel Kennedy play?
As well as several customised 5-string electric violins, Nigel Kennedy plays a 1732 instrument by Carlo Bergonzi of Cremona.
What are Nigel Kennedy’s best recordings?
Beyond his 1989 Four Seasons recording, Kennedy has made best-selling concerto recordings of Bach, Beethoven, Brahms, Bruch, Mendelssohn, Sibelius, Tchaikovsky and Walton, alongside chamber music and recital discs. Following his 2005 Blue Note Sessions jazz album, he released Polish Spirit in 2007 with the Polish Chamber Orchestra, featuring works by Emil Mlynarski and Mieczyslaw Karlowicz. A Very Nice Album in 2009 and SHHH! in 2010, each with his Nigel Kennedy Quintet, featured his own improvisations and compositions.
The Four Seasons
English Chamber Orchestra
Warner Classics 2564628814
Kennedy’s original still sounds as if it could have been made yesterday – sparky, energetic and tastefully different, it set the bar for others to try to reach. It is one of the best recordings of Vivaldi's Four Seasons ever
Elgar Violin Concerto
LPO/Vernon Handley
EMI Classics 4332872
Recorded when Kennedy was just 16, this award-winning disc is the natural heir to Yehudi Menuhin’s own legendary 1932 recording under the baton of Elgar himself.
Brahms Violin Concerto
LPO/Klaus Tennstedt
The first movement’s pace may be on the slow side, but Kennedy makes up for it with scintillating, clear, lyrical playing and his own quirky cadenza. The slow movement is sublime.
Mendelssohn Violin Concerto
English Chamber Orchestra/Jeffrey Tate
Recorded two years before their 1989 Four Seasons, Kennedy and the ECO have a wonderful sense of tempo and drama: the finale may be unrushed but it’s still sprightly.
Sibelius Violin Concerto
CBSO/Simon Rattle
EMI Classics 749 7172
A winning combination here, with Rattle and the CBSO sweeping Kennedy along in their wake back in 1992. It’s an exciting listen with just the right amount of swagger.
East Meets East
The Kroke Band
EMI Classics 557 5122
Now for something completely different – Kennedy’s imaginative but light exploration of eastern European and Arabic music is an enjoyable romp.
Top image by Getty Images
