Wynton Marsalis composed a violin concerto for Nicola Benedetti in which different worlds merge: he mixed his own African-American roots with Benedetti's Anglo-Celtic roots. Marsalis found it fascinating to investigate how he could translate the nuance, virtuosity and groove of jazz and blues into a classical orchestra. He sends the violinist on a fascinating journey in which she can enjoy her
… musicality and virtuosity in different styles and moods. From a lullaby to a nightmare, from a campfire to a circus, from New Orleans jazz to a Mardi Grass party, from a feeling of loneliness to wild elation. Marsalis' second composition on this album is the Fiddle Dance Suite for solo violin. This work also provides a wonderfully vibrant variation of dance rhythms as a reel, jig and strathspey with a lullaby, ballad and spiritual. (SvdP)more