The Nash Ensemble has delivered a resplendent tribute to their late artistic director Amelia Freedman with an all-Ravel recording that showcases the group's mastery of Maurice Ravel's chamber works. This poignant farewell project encompasses the composer's larger chamber pieces, including the iconic La Valse, which is skillfully reimagined for two pianos by Alasdair Beatson and Simon Crawford-Phillips.
The pair's partnership proves to be a winning one, as they seamlessly navigate the early, luscious textures of Ravel's music. The performance is marked by an unsettling sense of menace that gradually deepens into a sinister undertone, with the duo dispatching rapid-fire arpeggios and soaring glissandos with ease.
However, it is the attention to detail in the performances that truly sets this recording apart. In particular, Lucy Wakeford's harp playing in the Introduction and Allegro is striking, imbuing the piece with a kaleidoscopic textural interest that underscores the instrument's unique capabilities. The String Quartet and Piano Trio performances also demonstrate an exceptional level of cohesion among the seven instruments, as they coalesce to create intricate, shimmering soundscapes.
Ultimately, what makes this recording truly special is its ability to capture Ravel's music in all its dazzling light and intriguing shade. By focusing on the subtleties of tone and color, the Nash Ensemble has produced a performance that is both evocative and compelling – a fitting tribute to Amelia Freedman's enduring legacy as artistic director of the group.
The pair's partnership proves to be a winning one, as they seamlessly navigate the early, luscious textures of Ravel's music. The performance is marked by an unsettling sense of menace that gradually deepens into a sinister undertone, with the duo dispatching rapid-fire arpeggios and soaring glissandos with ease.
However, it is the attention to detail in the performances that truly sets this recording apart. In particular, Lucy Wakeford's harp playing in the Introduction and Allegro is striking, imbuing the piece with a kaleidoscopic textural interest that underscores the instrument's unique capabilities. The String Quartet and Piano Trio performances also demonstrate an exceptional level of cohesion among the seven instruments, as they coalesce to create intricate, shimmering soundscapes.
Ultimately, what makes this recording truly special is its ability to capture Ravel's music in all its dazzling light and intriguing shade. By focusing on the subtleties of tone and color, the Nash Ensemble has produced a performance that is both evocative and compelling – a fitting tribute to Amelia Freedman's enduring legacy as artistic director of the group.
! I mean, their interpretation of La Valse for two pianos with Alasdair Beatson and Simon Crawford-Phillips is masterfully done - it's like they're conjuring up this eerie atmosphere that just draws you in 
. But what really gets me is the attention to detail throughout the entire recording; Lucy Wakeford's harp playing is simply stunning, adding these incredible textures to the music 
. And I love how the different instruments come together to create these shimmering soundscapes - it's like a symphony of nuance 
. Overall, this recording feels like a beautiful tribute to Amelia Freedman's legacy, and I'm so here for it 
! But what really impressed me was how they highlighted the harp's awesomeness with Lucy Wakeford 
. I'm gonna give it a spin again, can't get enough of those intricate soundscapes 
! 
. But what really gets me is Lucy Wakeford's harp playing - she's like a one-woman textural explosion 
! It's clear the ensemble put so much love into this project, and I think they totally nailed it. Amelia Freedman would be proud 
...
lucey wakeford's harp parts are sublime too - her touch is so gentle yet so full of life 
the whole recording has this mesmerizing quality to it that keeps you hooked from start to finish, it's clear the nash ensemble is on top of their game 
and I'm totally blown away by the performances, especially that harp piece by Lucy Wakeford... it's like she's conjuring up some magical soundscapes 
. And can we talk about how well Alasdair Beatson and Simon Crawford-Phillips work together on La Valse? It's like they're speaking the same musical language or something 
. I love how they captured the nuances of Ravel's music, it's not just some grandiose, over-the-top stuff... it's intimate, you know? 
- I mean, who knew strings could sound so... electronic? 
Anyway, this recital showcases what the Nash Ensemble is all about: makin' beautiful music with a whole lotta soul. It's like they're payin' tribute to Amelia Freedman in the best possible way 
. This recital got me all swoony 
. it sounds pretty standard to me, like any other Ravel recoding out there. alasdair beatson and simon crawford-phillips are cool, i guess, but they don't bring anything new to the table. lucy wakeford's harp playing is alright, but not exactly mind blown. overall, it's a nice tribute, but let's keep things in perspective here 
. Overall, this recording is a masterclass in Ravel's beautiful music, it's like they're sharing their secrets with you 
.
this new Ravel recording by the Nash Ensemble sounds SO beautiful 
and what I love most about this rec is how it captures Ravel's music with such precision & attention to detail... it's like you can feel every nuance of tone & color 
. And Lucy Wakeford's harp playing in the Introduction and Allegro is seriously stunning 
! I mean, who else could make La Valse sound so ominous & yet beautiful at the same time? The two-piano performance with Alasdair Beatson & Simon Crawford-Phillips is pure magic 
.
I just listened to this all-Ravel recording from the Nash Ensemble 
. And Lucy Wakeford's harp playing? Mind. Blown 
. What I love most about this album is how they brought out the unique timbres of each instrument, especially Lucy Wakeford's harp playing - she's a total genius 
. Their rendition of La Valse, reimagined for two pianos, is nothing short of captivating