In his prime, Kreisler enjoyed the adulation of a vast public which defines him as one of the first 'cross-over' classical violinists. Not only was he justly renowned for his interpretations of the great masterworks, he was also a brilliant exponent of the popular music of his day while his concert appearances on either side of the Atlantic were invariably sold-out.

As well as being a master-musician, Kreisler was also a prolific composer, following a tradition extending back to Vivaldi via Paganini and Sarasate. Indeed, Kreisler's contribution to the violin repertoire endures in much the same way that the Strauss waltzes have their place within the orchestral repertoire.

The shorter works on this recording include three of Kreisler's most well-known pieces: the melancholy waltz Liebesleid (Love's Sorrow), the violin-fireworks of Tambourin Chinois and the Praeludium and Allegro. Apart from his own compositions, Kreisler enriched the violin repertoire by adapting works by other composers for violin and piano - included are Cyril Scott's Lotus Land and Granados' famous Danse Espagnole. Kreisler's transcription of the universally loved Londonderry Air owes much to him hearing it played by a street fiddler and remarking that he could learn something from every musician. Accompanying Kennedy on these recordings is the pianist John Lenehan. The exception within the shorter works is the combination of violinist Katharine Gowers with Lenehan on Midnight Bells.

Although perhaps chiefly remembered for the many pieces he composed or arranged for violin and piano, Kreisler wrote a number of major concert works. Included on this disc is The String Quartet in A Minor. Written during the first World War, it was described by Kreisler as 'my avowal of Vienna' and echoes the musical language of Korngold and early Schoenberg. It received its first public performance in front of Edward Elgar, Henry Wood and Albert Sammons in May, 1921. Kreisler went on to record the work in 1935 with the London String Quartet which, fittingly perhaps, included Lauri Kennedy (Nigel's grandfather) as 'cellist. The String Quartet on this recording is performed by: Kennedy (violin); Bill Hawkes (viola); Caroline Dale (cello) & Rosemary Furniss (violin).