Nigel Kennedy

Violinist

Nigel Kennedy is a renowned violinist known for his innovative interpretations and passionate performances, particularly of classical and contemporary works.

Born
December 28, 1965
Quotes
14
Rank
#2732

About Nigel Kennedy

Nigel Kennedy — Life and Legacy

Nigel Kennedy is a celebrated violinist recognized for his dynamic performances and unconventional approach to classical music. His distinctive style is characterized by a blend of classical technique and a deep emotional connection to his art, which he articulates through his famous quote, 'Music is a way of life.' This reflects his belief that music should resonate with personal experience and authenticity. Kennedy's core philosophy revolves around the idea that music must be expressive and free, challenging the rigid structures often found in classical performances. He has stated, 'You have to be true to yourself,' which underscores his commitment to authenticity in artistry. This perspective has allowed him to break barriers within the classical genre, inviting a broader audience to engage with his work. His impact on the music world is significant; Kennedy's innovative interpretations of classical pieces have not only revitalized interest in the genre but have also inspired a new generation of musicians to embrace creativity and personal expression. His quotes continue to resonate, encouraging artists to pursue their unique voices and challenge conventional norms.

Quote collection

Nigel Kennedy quotes

14 quotes — follow a thought to its full quote page.

Nigel Kennedy Violinist
Popular

"I'm always improving and I want to get better and never hit a plateau. I find it an amazing adventure."

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Nigel Kennedy Violinist
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"I hate complacency. I play every gig as if it could be my last, then I enjoy it more than ever."

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Nigel Kennedy Violinist
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"Even if you're playing Brahms or a Beethoven concerto, you've got to have a different vantage point, slightly, each time."

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Nigel Kennedy Violinist
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"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."

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Nigel Kennedy Violinist
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"If you do the same thing every night, that's the death of music."

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Nigel Kennedy Violinist
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"I've learnt new scales through playing different types of music, like Indian raga scales, gipsy scales and harmonically-based jazz scales."

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Nigel Kennedy Violinist
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"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."

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Nigel Kennedy Violinist
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"Menuhin was playing Bach on a fantastic spiritual level when he was a teenager."

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Nigel Kennedy Violinist
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"I see it as my job to try to keep Bach in the mainstream and present his music with, rather than without, its emotional core."

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Nigel Kennedy Violinist
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"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."

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Nigel Kennedy Violinist
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"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."

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Nigel Kennedy Violinist
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"Bach was a top harmonist geezer, which is why the jazz cats love him."

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Nigel Kennedy Violinist
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"The Beatles are a classical group because they're classic."

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