Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Larking about

Staying with Nigel Kennedy, my next choice is Walton's Violin Concerto (EMI 7243 5 62813 2 5) but whilst it starts with a wonderfully English sounding opening movement, beautifully played by Kennedy, I just can't get my head round the Italian concoction that follows.  Thankfully the disc also includes The Lark Ascending by Vaughan Williams.  Kennedy has a reputation for occasionally being less than serious, but his playing here is thoughtful, exquisitely phrased and the perfect foil for Rattle and the CBSO.