Search - William Walton, Ralph Vaughan Williams, Andre Previn :: Walton: Violin Concerto, Viola Concerto / Vaughan Williams: The Lark Ascending

Good, but leave viola to a violist

Lillian | 07/12/2005

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Nigel Kennedy is an amazing violinist and his intonation never fails to impress me. The Walton violin concerto was outstanding, but he plays the viola concerto the same way: like a violinist.



His intonation and interpretation are wonderful in the viola concerto, but he doesn't play heavily enough to make a viola speak. This is especially obvious in the second movement, Vivo, con molto preciso. The sixteenth notes don't speak clearly with a sort of surfacy sound, and just not getting the 'umph' that you expect from a viola, leaving a lot to be desired in tone.



I was also disappointed at times with the balance between the orchestra and soloist. I found myself turning up the volume in places I shouldn't have to in order to hear the soloist, then being blasted when the orchestra comes in.



If you are buying this recording for the violin concerto, I recommend it highly. For the viola concerto I prefer Nobuko Imai's version, or, if you are looking for a budget recording, Lars Anders Tomter's recording under Naxos is wonderful."