Before I go any further with this post I will apologise for the over-the-topness of it, but it's a long time since I was so excited by a piece of music and I just can't help myself. Sorry.
I love Nigel Kennedy's original performance of Vivaldi's Four Seasons. I have listened to it many times over the years. It brings back memories of a sunny Sunday morning in our old house in Alton, Hampshire, laying the table for a late breakfast. My beloved godmother was staying with us and I suppose the music reminds me of her as much as the day, so that makes it special in itself.
However, my socks were completely blown off by Nigel Kennedy's new presentation of Vivaldi's wonderful concertos at the Proms on 8 August and the purpose of this post is to encourage/insist/remind you to watch the televised concert this Friday evening on BBC 4. If you have other plans, cancel them. Or set the Sky box to record the programme. You will not be disappointed. However, if you need more convincing, read the reviews in the Guardian (http://www.theguardian.com/music/2013/aug/11/nigel-kennedy-mitsuko-uchida-proms-review) or the Telegraph http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/music/proms/10233718/Proms-2013-Vivaldi-The-Four-Seasons-review.html.
Nigel Kennedy and his fellow players from the Palestine Strings (part of the Edward Said National Conservatory of Music) and Orchestra of Life have produced an extraordinary new interpretation of the Four Seasons. It is an incredible testament to the composer, that his score can be re-presented 290 years after its conception in such an innovative and exciting way without being compromised or losing any of its integrity. This new offering was a wonderful musical tapestry, weaving in Arabic notes and American big band swing, amongst other extras, all seamlessly moving between the seasons. It was absolutely bewitching. It was brilliant. Nigel Kennedy is brilliant!
I don't have any images of the concert to show you so I thought I would throw in a few waves instead. They are just as mesmerising, in a different way. They never cease to lure me to the water's edge and although I don't want to be on the water, or in it, I have to commune with the running wave on a regular basis. These pictures are for those of you who are not as fortunate as me and do not have a lovely beach just down the road.
Don't forget, BBC 4 at 7.30 pm on Friday, 23 August.
I love Nigel Kennedy's original performance of Vivaldi's Four Seasons. I have listened to it many times over the years. It brings back memories of a sunny Sunday morning in our old house in Alton, Hampshire, laying the table for a late breakfast. My beloved godmother was staying with us and I suppose the music reminds me of her as much as the day, so that makes it special in itself.
However, my socks were completely blown off by Nigel Kennedy's new presentation of Vivaldi's wonderful concertos at the Proms on 8 August and the purpose of this post is to encourage/insist/remind you to watch the televised concert this Friday evening on BBC 4. If you have other plans, cancel them. Or set the Sky box to record the programme. You will not be disappointed. However, if you need more convincing, read the reviews in the Guardian (http://www.theguardian.com/music/2013/aug/11/nigel-kennedy-mitsuko-uchida-proms-review) or the Telegraph http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/music/proms/10233718/Proms-2013-Vivaldi-The-Four-Seasons-review.html.
Nigel Kennedy and his fellow players from the Palestine Strings (part of the Edward Said National Conservatory of Music) and Orchestra of Life have produced an extraordinary new interpretation of the Four Seasons. It is an incredible testament to the composer, that his score can be re-presented 290 years after its conception in such an innovative and exciting way without being compromised or losing any of its integrity. This new offering was a wonderful musical tapestry, weaving in Arabic notes and American big band swing, amongst other extras, all seamlessly moving between the seasons. It was absolutely bewitching. It was brilliant. Nigel Kennedy is brilliant!
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