News release by EMI Classics

Overview

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.

Nigel Kennedy has dedicated his latest recording to forgotten romantic concertos by the Polish composers Emil Mlynarski and Mieczyslaw Karlowicz. Polish Spirit captures Kennedy's incandescent performances with the Polish Chamber Orchestra and conductor Jacek Kaspszyk.

Karlowicz's violin concerto is a rarity even in Poland, and Mlynarski's second violin concerto is virtually unknown.

It all started with an old state recording, handed to Kennedy by member of the audience at a concert in Warsaw, set him on a journey of discovery that culminated in the present programme. The forgotten recording contained a performance of Mlynarski's second violin concerto and, when Kennedy listened to it, he was smitten. For the recording, he chose to couple it with the beautiful but rarely performed violin concerto by Mieczyslaw Karlowicz.

- Nigel has a great working relationship with the Polish Chamber Orchestra; most recently appearing with them on the Live á la Citadelle DVD.

- "Little known and widely forgotten romantic repertoire that extends the romantic themes of Elgar" - David Groves (the album's recording producer)

- Nigel has set up home in Warsaw and this record sees him embrace the music of Poland with a Polish Orchestra and conductor and recorded in the country of origin.

- Underexploited romantic and very accessible repertoire

The cover was designed in Poland and features a subtle twist: look out for the reflection of Kennedy's profile which is visible in the large bottle!

In conjunction with this studio recording, we are releasing a DVD version of the album, filmed at a concert in Poland. In addition to performances of the concertos, Kennedy delights his audience with three encores and the disc also features a 20-minute bonus documentary. The DVD shows the powerful interaction between soloist, orchestra, conductor and audience, the commitment and the enjoyment of the performance.


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Copyright picture: Chris Steele-Perkins licensed to EMI.