Kennedy's first recording of the Elgar Concerto is aflame with a young man's passionate inspiration, though never lacking subtler nuance, while Handley simply breathed Elgar like no-one else.

Listening to this recording again after a number of years, and following the reading with a score, makes one realise again just how much in this performance is exactly right...Kennedy’s first thoughts are admirably demonstrated in a recording and performance that belong in the collection of every Elgarian who loves this concerto.

This remains Nigel Kennedy’s finest achievement on record, arguably even finer than the long line of versions with star international soloists from either outside or within Britain. With Vernon Handley as guide it is a truly inspired and inspiring performance and the recording is outstandingly faithful and atmospheric.