Nigel Kennedy
Nigel Kennedy
================
Full Name and Common Aliases
-----------------------------
Nigel Kennedy is a renowned British violinist known for his eclectic and genre-bending approach to classical music.
Birth and Death Dates
----------------------
Born on May 8, 1956.
Nationality and Profession(s)
------------------------------
Kennedy is of British nationality and a professional violinist, with a career spanning over four decades.
Early Life and Background
Growing up in Liverpool, Kennedy was exposed to a diverse musical environment. His mother, a pianist, introduced him to classical music at an early age. This exposure had a profound impact on his development as a musician. He began playing the violin at the age of 7 and soon became fascinated with the instrument.
Kennedy's interest in Eastern European folk music also played a significant role in shaping his unique sound. His family's frequent travels to Europe allowed him to experience various cultures firsthand, broadening his musical horizons.
Major Accomplishments
Throughout his illustrious career, Kennedy has achieved numerous accolades. Some of his most notable accomplishments include:
Recording contracts: He has released music with several prominent record labels, including EMI and Sony Classical.
Collaborations: Kennedy has collaborated with artists from diverse genres, such as jazz, rock, and folk.
Awards and recognition: He has received several awards for his contributions to classical music, including a Grammy nomination.Notable Works or Actions
Kennedy's innovative approach to classical music is reflected in his various projects. Some of his notable works include:
Arrangements: Kennedy is known for arranging popular songs from various genres into classical pieces.
* Orchestral collaborations: He has worked with renowned orchestras, such as the London Symphony Orchestra and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.
Impact and Legacy
Kennedy's influence on classical music extends beyond his technical proficiency. His eclecticism and willingness to experiment have inspired a new generation of musicians.
His contributions to the evolution of classical music are undeniable. Kennedy continues to push boundaries, exploring new sounds and styles.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
------------------------------------------
Kennedy's innovative approach to classical music has left an indelible mark on the genre. His willingness to experiment and challenge traditional norms has made him a widely quoted figure in musical circles.
His commitment to preserving cultural heritage through music is another reason he is remembered fondly by fans worldwide.
Quotes by Nigel Kennedy
I think Bach is equally a romantic composer because he laid the seeds harmonically for people like Chopin and the great Romantics, Brahms, so it's difficult to you know all this like labelling and putting - I think Bach is attractive to musicians because he supersedes the labels.
I can think and play stuff in classical music that possibly violinists who didn’t have access to other types of music could never do. It means I’m more flexible within classical music, to be a servant to the composer.
I think Bach is equally a romantic composer because he laid the seeds harmonically for people like Chopin and the great Romantics, Brahms, so its difficult to you know all this like labelling and putting – I think Bach is attractive to musicians because he supersedes the labels.
Even if you’re playing Brahms or a Beethoven concerto, you’ve got to have a different vantage point, slightly, each time.
Maybe it’s egocentric or whatever, but when I’m playing Beethoven, Bach, Hendrix, or whoever it is, in the end, it just feels like my own music and I’m making it up as I’m going along.
I’ve learnt new scales through playing different types of music, like Indian raga scales, gipsy scales and harmonically-based jazz scales.
If you’re playing within your capability, what’s the point? If you’re not pushing your own technique to its own limits with the risk that it might just crumble at any moment, then you’re not really doing your job.