Nicola Benedetti - Homecoming

Nicola Benedetti explores her Scottish roots in an album combining the traditions of classical and Scottish folk music. John Suchet's Album of the Week, 7 July 2014.

Violinist Nicola Benedetti says her new album - Homecoming - is a deeply personal journey through the music of her native Scotland, and it's certainly rare that classical pieces and Scottish folk tunes have been recorded alongside each other.

The inclusion of Bruch’s Scottish Fantasy which uses traditional tunes, including those of Robert Burns, neatly links to three Burns songs arranged for violin and orchestra.

This album came in at No.8 in Classic FM's Album of the Year 2014. See the full chart here >

The Scottish folk music that ends the album includes some of Scotland’s most esteemed folk musicians including the singer Julie Fowlis whose voice can be heard on the Brave soundtrack. Benedetti joins in the ensemble with real gusto and feeling for the music.

The music of Benedetti's homeland is clearly close to her heart and performed with sensitivity throughout this refreshing album.