My World

Album Description:

Celebrate the diverse musical journey of Nigel Kennedy with 'My World', a captivating album released on 23 December 2016. This album marks a significant milestone as it is Kennedy's first collection of his own compositions, released just in time for his 60th birthday. The album offers an intimate glimpse into Kennedy's rich and varied musical life, showcasing his incredible violin playing and tuneful, accessible compositions.

'My World' is a blend of dedication pieces and a suite inspired by Anton Chekhov's play 'Three Sisters'. The dedication pieces pay tribute to legendary musicians such as Jarek Smietana, Isaac Stern, Stéphane Grappelli, Yehudi Menuhin, and Mark O'Connor. These tracks highlight Kennedy's versatility and respect for his musical predecessors.

The suite 'Three Sisters' is a unique interpretation of Chekhov's play, inspired by Kennedy's wife Agnieszka, who produced the play for the stage. This suite delves into the psychological depth of the play, with tracks like 'Vershinin's Idealism', 'Andrei's Love', and 'The Sisters' Fate' offering a musical exploration of the characters and their journeys.

The album features the Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra, with Kennedy's violin taking centre stage. The orchestration and compositional skills on display make 'My World' a standout release in Kennedy's discography. With a duration of over an hour, this album is a testament to Kennedy's musical prowess and his ability to create engaging, thought-provoking compositions.