Nicola Benedetti has debuted with some of the worlds most respected orchestras. At 16 she was the BBC Young Musician of the year, then released her first album aged 17 after signing a £1 million recording contract.
Three years later with the release of a third album and having barely stopped for breath, Nicola has won over critics and gained a very high profile supporter in Sir John Tavener. After following Nicola's career with interest he has written pieces specifically for her.
Track listing
Ralph Vaughan Williams – The Lark Ascending
Sir John Tavener – Dhyana (World Premiere)
Sir John Tavener – Lalishri (World Premiere)
Sir John Tavener – Song for Athene (World Premiere Version for violin)
Accomplanied by the London Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Andrew Litton the album features music from very different eras and composers, but they sit beautifully together.
Beginning with Vaughan Williams - 'The Lark Ascending' the peaceful uplifting tone is set. The music written in 1914 has just been voted by Classic FM listeners as the UK's most popular piece of music. Nicola's interpretation has a fluidity and simplicity that carries this work to perfection. It is sure to meet with the approval of all those who know and love it already.
Following on is the the new violin concerto Lalishri. Written by Sir John for Nicola it was commissioned by the LPO, The South Bank Centre and Tom Hunter.
Lalishri is a complex piece inspired by the 14th centuary saint and poet Lalla Yogishwari. Nicola's playing expressively represents the song of Lalla. Progessing in five sections through the dancing, ecstatic trance and finally ending in a musical expression of bliss. Nicola carries the journey along in vivid and colourful detail giving the work an ethereal and dramatic quality.
Dhyana is next and is the Sanskrit word for meditation, it was written specifically to sit alongside Lalishri on this recording. Nicola's style of playing inspired this short piece and has to be one of the most peaceful, relaxing compositions I've ever heard. It is easy to fall into and be carried along by it without missing a note.
All too soon the CD ends with Sir John's special adaptation for violin and strings of 'Song for Athene'. Written in 1993, the work was memorably performed at the funeral service for Diana, Princess of Wales in 1997.
This piece is played ;; with Nicola's trademark eloquent and contemplative style showing excellent tone and technique.
The recording is yet another artistic progression from an accomplished and individual violinist who continues to grow in confidence and ability. There are critics who say Nicola's music at times lacks depth, but I feel that her work already has a maturity far beyond her years and that will only continue to develop with time.
Continuing and succeeding with her quest to prove to a new generation that Classical music is accessible, enjoyable and for everyone, this latest offering is a wonderful showcase of Nicola's talent.
The CD is a must have for any collection.
