Skip to content
    skip to navigation

    Classic FM

    Listen

    On Air Now

    Alexander Armstrong 9am - 12pm

    Alexander Armstrong

    Now Playing

    Piano Concerto No.21 in C major (2) Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

    • Playlist
    • Schedule
    • Home
    • Radio
    • News
    • Discover Music
    • Composers
    • Artists
    • Lifestyle
    • Win
    • Charity
    • Podcasts
    • Events
    • Dating
    • Follow us on:
      Follow Classic FM on Twitter
      Follow Classic FM on Facebook
      Follow Classic FM on Instagram
      Follow Classic FM on Youtube

    Artists

    Nicola Benedetti

    • Nicola Benedetti Home
    • Music
    • News
    • Pictures
    • Guides
    • Videos
    • More Artists

    Nicola Benedetti - My First Decade: an album guide

    Celebrating an incredible ten years in the business, violin star Nicola Benedetti takes us on a personal journey through the musical highlights of her career.

    1. nicola benedetti

      1. Vivaldi - The Four Seasons, Summer III Presto

      Setting off at a rollicking pace, Nicola tackles Vivaldi's virtuosic concerto accompanied by the Scottish Chamber Orchestra. You might think you know the tune well, but Nicola's energetic rendition brings an unusual freshness to this Baroque masterpiece. Picture: Decca/Rich Hardcastle

    2. Nicola benedetti fantasie album cover

      2. Vaughan Williams - The Lark Ascending

      Making the most of Vaughan Williams' soaring violin tune, Nicola comes into her own in this stunning rendition of the composer's most famous piece. She first recorded it on her Fantasie album in 2009

    3. Ksenija Sidorova

      3. Brahms - Hungarian Dance No. 5

      It's another well-known violin favourite, this time, from Johnannes Brahms. Expect a sprightly duet between Nicola's violin and the reedy tones of accordionist Ksenija Sidorova.

    4. nicola benedetti

      4. Pärt - Spiegel Im Spiegel

      Another highlight of Nicola's 2009 Fantasie album, this transcendental music is made all the more beautiful by its simplicity. Nicola caresses the long violin notes over the top of the peaceful circling piano accompaniment, creating an achingly beautiful rendition of Pärt's minimalist masterpiece

    5. Nicola Benedetti

      5. Chopin - Nocturne No. 20 In C Sharp Minor

      There's something haunting about Chopin's music when it's played on the violin. Despite being a piano piece originally, this Nocturne comes into its own when brought to life through Benedetti's unmistakable tones.

    6. Nicola Benedetti

      6. Tchaikovsky - Violin Concerto in D, Op.35

      After hearing the premiere of Tchaikovsky's Violin Concerto, music critic Eduard Hanslick said: "The violin was not played but beaten black and blue." It's a fair comment for this fiendish concerto, which serves as a perfect vehicle for demonstrating Benedetti's virtuosic talent.

    7. nicola-benedetti-8

      7. Massenet - Meditation

      Massenet certainly knows how to write a great violin tune. And with the gorgeous swelling strings from the London Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Daniel Harding, this is a perfect serving of decadent Romantic music.

    8. nicola-benedetti_14

      8. Monti - Czardas

      So popular is Monti's take on this Hungarian folk song that it's made its way onto a track by Lady Gaga. It sounds somewhat more traditional in this recording by Benedetti and her fellow instrumentalists, but its hard to ignore the music's infectious energy and cheery tune.

    9. nicola-benedetti-1

      9. Bruch - Violin Concerto No. 1 in G minor

      Another moment of calm nestled amongst the more energetic pieces, it's easy to see why Bruch's violin concerto is such a well-loved piece. The second movement, in particular, is a fine example of tender Romantic violin writing at its best.

    10. nicola-benedetti-9

      10. Hess - Ladies In Lavender

      A fantastic collaboration between Benedetti and the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, capturing this timeless soundtrack on her The Silver Violin album. Full of indulgent, tug-on-your-heart-strings tunes, this music harks back to the Romantic era - despite being written in 2004.

    11. nicola-benedetti-6

      11. Williams - Schindler's List

      Benedetti captures the pathos and drama in John Williams' famous violin solo with this tender rendition. She's following in some pretty impressive musical footsteps: the original soundtrack was performed by violin legend Itzhak Perlman.

    12. Benedetti trio

      12. Gardel - Tango, Por Una Cabeza

      The Benedetti Trio make an appearance on the album, along with accordionist Ksenija Sidorova. It's a track bursting with sultry Argentinian spirit, as the violin, cello, accordion and piano pass the tune between each other.

    Nicola Benedetti latest

    See more Nicola Benedetti latest

    ‘If it’s a good fight, you just keep doing it’ – Edinburgh International Festival director Nicola Benedetti on music education

    ‘If it’s a good fight, you just keep doing it’ – Edinburgh International Festival director Nicola Benedetti on music education

    Sheku Kanneh-Mason, Alison Balsom, Lang Lang, Nicola Benedetti, Isata Kanneh-Mason, Abel Selaocoe and Ludovico Einaudi

    Lang Lang and Ludovico Einaudi among Best Classical Artist nominees at the Global Awards 2023

    Global Awards

    The 25 greatest violinists of all time

    The 25 greatest violinists of all time

    Discover Music

    Violinist Nicola Benedetti accompanies real Ukrainian refugees’ stories with a soaring solo

    Violinist Nicola Benedetti accompanies real Ukrainian refugees’ stories with a soaring solo

    Nicola Benedetti Grammy Award and violin

    Nicola Benedetti: who is the star violinist, what are her best recordings and what violin does she play?

    Russian conductor Vladimir Jurowski

    Russian maestro Vladimir Jurowski joins classical stars in high-profile ‘Stop the War’ open letter

    Multi award-winning violinist and educator Nicola Benedetti

    Violinist Nicola Benedetti announced as director of Edinburgh International Festival

    Andrea Bocelli joined by star violinist Nicola Benedetti in Scotland concert

    Andrea Bocelli joined by star violinist Nicola Benedetti in Scotland concert – buy tickets

    Andrea Bocelli

    Violinist Nicola Benedetti’s Foundation announces special Baroque Virtual Sessions

    Violinist Nicola Benedetti’s Foundation announces special Baroque Virtual Sessions

    Violinist Nicola Benedetti launches new three-tier project 'Baroque'

    Violinist Nicola Benedetti on what classical music could learn from jazz gigs

    Best classical music

    See more Best classical music

    The 15 most famous tunes in classical music

    The 15 most famous tunes in classical music

    Discover Music

    Best symphonies: Ludwig van Beethoven, Antonin Dvorak and Florence Price

    The 15 greatest symphonies of all time

    Discover Music

    4 eras of classical music

    The 4 eras of classical music: a quick guide

    Discover Music

    Women composers gallery

    21 of the greatest women composers in classical music

    Discover Music

    Best pianists of all time

    The 25 best pianists of all time

    Discover Music

    Most romantic opera duets (Stacey Alleaume as Violetta and Liparit Avertisyan as Alfredo in Verdi's La Traviata in Sydney, 2022)

    The 10 most romantic opera duets of all time

    Discover Music

    Latest on Classic FM

    Yellowstone National Park seismic activity transformed into a mesmerising flute solo, performed by Dr Alyssa Schwartz.

    Scientist transforms volcanic vibrations at Yellowstone park into a hypnotic flute solo

    Discover Music

    Solo cellist plays Bach prelude as rain falls on church steps in mesmerising video

    Solo cellist plays Bach Prelude as rain lashes on historic temple steps

    Bach

    Ron

    Chevalier: Kelvin Harrison Jr.’s on-set violin teacher reveals how he taught the actor in two months

    Discover Music

    Kelvin

    Chevalier star Kelvin Harrison Jr. on 18th-century virtuoso Joseph Bologne: ‘He could do everything!’

    Classic FM’s Music Teacher of the Year Awards with ABRSM recognises outstanding music teachers

    The Classic FM Music Teacher of the Year Awards with ABRSM: nominate an inspiring music teacher

    Events

    John Williams scored the first three Harry Potter movies

    Harry Potter soundtrack: what are the famous themes and did John Williams score all the movies?

    Williams

    The Neanderthal Flute is carved from the bone of a Cave Bear

    Hear the world’s oldest instrument, the 50,000 year old neanderthal flute

    Discover Music

    This week’s on-air highlights – including Album of the Week and Drive Discovery.

    This week’s Classic FM radio highlights – including Album of the Week and Drive Discovery

    Malakai Bayoh sings ‘Caruso’ in Britain’s Got Talent final

    Malakai Bayoh sings operatic song ‘Caruso’ with shining high notes in Britain’s Got Talent final

    Terje Isungset plays a trumpet-like ice instrument in the ArcticHurtigruten Expeditions

    Inside the Arctic Circle’s vibrant classical music scene

    Promoted by Hurtigruten Expeditions

    Discover Music

    Back to top

    Also on Classic FM

    • Listen to Global Player
    • Alexander Armstrong on Classic FM
    • Google Doodle
    • Quizzes
    • Mozart
    • Debussy
    • Music theory
    • Instruments
    • Classic FM Live
    • Brahms
    • Vivaldi
    • Bach
    • LBC News
    • Tchaikovsky
    • Chopin
    • Andrea Bocelli
    • Florence Price
    • Beethoven
    • Best classical music
    • Classic FM Requests
    • Best pianists
    • Harry Potter music
    • Saturday Night at the Movies
    • Star Wars soundtrack
    • Composer or pasta
    • Music for Studying
    • Best violinists
    • Classical music tearjerkers
    • Relaxing classical

    Useful Links

    • Contact Us
    • Help
    • How To Listen
    • About Classic FM
    • Company Details
    • Cookies
    • Privacy
    • Terms & Conditions
    • Advertise
    • Global Jobs

    Download the app

    Get it on the app store Get it on Google Play

    Follow Us

    Follow Classic FM on Twitter
    Follow Classic FM on Facebook
    Follow Classic FM on Instagram
    Follow Classic FM on Youtube
    © Global 2023
    30 Leicester Square, London, WC2H 7LA
    Privacy Manager