Nigel Kennedy review at The Colston Hall in Bristol

Posted on: 2016-01-25

Our rating:

An outstanding, enchanting evening of mixed musical magnificence combined with plenty of spirited banter between Kennedy, the musicians and the audience. Aston Villa's most famous musical maverick son demonstrated why he's a national treasure.


 

Legendary violinist Nigel Kennedy wowed the Bristol concert-going crowd with a stunning programme of music when he played at the Colston Hall on Sunday 24th January 2016.

Accompanied by a small ensemble of musicians playing a rather eclectic instrumental range including violins, violas, cellos, double bass, harpsichord, acoustic guitar and drum kit, this oft-called wild child of classical music had the audience in the palm of his hand right from the start.

Nigel Kennedy review at The Colston Hall in Bristol - 24 January 2016

Kennedy's clothes were as delightfully idiosyncratic and quirky as the musician as he spent the first few minutes introducing his fellow players before showcasing the cellist's talents with a short, exquisite solo piece by Bach; "A evening without Bach is a very bad thing," Kennedy wryly but quite accurately intoned.

From then on, it was a dizzying display of pure musical mastery. Pieces composed by some of Kennedy's personal musical heroes transitioned seamlessly with compositions written by Kennedy himself and covered a aurally astonishing smorgasbord of styles, incorporating trad jazz, Spanish, Hungarian, soft rock, classical and gypsy jazz influences. 

As an opening first half, it was an unbridled euphonious feast that packed in more musical zest, energy, flair, class and style than some concerts manage in two hours.

One interval and obligatory ice-cream later, Kennedy and his ensemble returned to the stage for a performance of The New Four Seasons. Kennedy's original recording of Vivaldi's timeless classic in 1989 with the English Chamber Orchestra went on to become the most successful classical recording of all time, selling over 2 million copies.

Kennedy has taken Vivaldi's masterpiece and given it his own typical, often unconventional, occasionally quirky twist. The main themes of the original are still present but they've been given delightfully Kennedy-an embellishments. Funky, groovy riffs precede and interject some of the movements while certain sections have been expanded and elaborated on. 

No matter how many times you listen to the original it always retains its freshness and vitality, but Kennedy's musical tweaks have injected it with even more dynamism and zeal. Both Kennedy and his ensemble - the first time they've played together though you'd never have known, so professional and polished was their performance - were having a blast....and so was the audience.

Kennedy's consummate musicianship, dexterity, passion, technique and eye-popping, ear-bewitching command of the violin was on full display, offering an unparalleled showcase of a virtuoso violinist still at the absolute top of his game. 

Performed with exuberance, gusto and a real affinity for the music, their energy was utterly infectious and permeated the entire crowd who responded with whoops, cheers, a standing ovation and an enthusiastic plea for an encore - which he gladly obliged in the form of a stunning Bach solo.

An outstanding, enchanting evening of mixed musical magnificence combined with plenty of spirited banter between Kennedy, the musicians and the audience, Aston Villa's most famous musical maverick son demonstrated precisely why he's a national treasure, a true offbeat original, and a unique, peerless musician.

5/5

Reviewed by Jamie Caddick for The Bristol events website



Article by:

James Anderson

Born and raised in the suburbs of Swansea, Jimmy moved to Bristol back in 2004 to attend university. Passionate about live music, sport, science and nature, he can usually be found walking his cocker spaniel Baxter at any number of green spots around the city. Call James on 078 9999 3534 or email Editor@365Bristol.com.