On track: Too highly seasoned

By WILLIAM DART

Nigel Kennedy looks unusually grim on the cover of his new Vivaldi CD, more like a character looking for a Wim Wenders' movie than the cheeky chappy who has built a whole career on musical provocation.

Perhaps the English violinist is worried about the need for yet another recording of Vivaldi's Four Seasons, especially one without any special gimmick to distinguish it.

There are also past glories to be considered. EMI won't let us forget that his 1989 recording of the work made the Guinness Book of Records as the classical bestseller of all time, with more than two million copies sold. This was an interpretation that raddled many at the time with its wilful eccentricities - the low point being Autumn's central movement, where Kennedy waxes spooky with glissandi and harmonics for 20 seconds before the orchestra even comes in.

The DVD had even more irritating features for the non-believer: brash introductions by Kennedy and the embarrassing spectacle of the English Chamber Orchestra donning sunglasses to brave harsh studio lighting.

Kennedy's new Vivaldi project, the first of many CDs we are led to believe, has a new seriousness to it - but could it be anything else with the collaboration of Berlin Philharmonic players?

The sound is EMI's best, a revelation in moments when Taro Takeuchi's lute comes through the texture, thrilling when Vivaldi lets loose storms of semiquavers.

For those who want fiery virtuosity, it is in generous supply. The final blast of Summer is a scorcher, even if its well-marshalled fury seems more Teutonic than Italian.

Kennedy keeps a rein on the extreme silliness that marred his 1989 outing, but there are still far too many irritating mannerisms ranging from unnecessary tempo changes (Autumn's first movement), rhythmic waywardness (Spring's last) and a glut of sul ponticello when Winter comes along.

Perhaps, like me, you'll find yourself more drawn to the two double concertos that complete the CD, in which Kennedy is pitted against Daniel Stabrawa, concertmaster of the Berlin Philharmonic and a fine soloist in his own right. Their inspired spiccato sparring on Track 16 is a real wallet-opener.

* Nigel Kennedy, Vivaldi (EMI 57647)