MARBECKS COLLECTABLE: Duos for Violin and Cello

"I have no trouble identifying the outstanding chamber release among the discs I have reviewed this year. Whatever you think about the Kennedy image (or images), the violinist can be a wonderful musician. With the cellist Lynn Harrell he finds such life and splendour in Ravel's Duo Sonata and Kodály's Duo, Op. 7 - neglected in concert and on record - that you'd think you were listening to a chamber ensemble, not just two solo string instruments. There was no need for a filler, but the closing performance of the Bach E major two-part Invention is something to treasure for its own sake - if you want a quick definition of chamber-music-making, this tiny gem will do." (reviewed June 2000)
Stephen Johnson BBC Music Magazine

The brilliant violinist Kennedy and cellist Lynn Harrell have teamed up to record an album of duets. A "Superb duo," wrote The Times following their joint recital in London in April 1998, which featured the repertoire they were about to record for this EMI Classics CD. "These most unlikely sparring partners were made for each other," the review continued, "The partnership is […] an inspired one."

Editor's Choice - Gramophone Magazine (May 2000)
* * * * * 5 Stars - BBC Music Magazine (June 2000)
"A recital that's a bit like eavesdropping on friends who habitually laugh or cry together. For me, it's Kennedy's finest hour on disc. You'll end the listening session with a mood of sublime simplicity."

Finalist Gramophone Awards 2000 - Chamber

Note: Booklet autographed by Lynn Harrell