Violinist extraordinaire Kennedy may be down to only one name, but he's high on the list of today's top soloists. This collection of Bach concertos shows both how and why he became such a prominent character on the international stage.
The wild and iconoclastic violinist lends his vibrant personality to the works of a composer commonly thought to be a bit of a prude. Kennedy liberates the power and passion within the music, showing there's more to Bach than strict structure and propriety. The Violin Concerto in E, often performed with courtly grace, smolders with Kennedy's fiery interpretation. Paired with Albrecht Mayer for the Concerto for Oboe and Violin in D minor, the violinist again plays to his strength, bringing power to the fore.
Although one cannot say enough about the strength of Kennedy's performances, his ability for delicacy and nuance should not be ignored. This is a fully formed musician with more power and presence than many ensembles. This album is a joy to behold.