Nash Ensemble: Ravel album review – catches the music's dazzling light and intriguing shade

Amelia Freedman's extraordinary 60-year tenure as artistic director for the Nash Ensemble comes to a close with this all-Ravel recording, marking a fitting farewell for the group she founded. The album brings together three larger chamber works, including La Valse: Alasdair Beatson and Simon Crawford-Phillips deliver polished performances that capture Ravel's music in all its nuanced complexity.

The duo shines from the outset, conjuring a wonderfully louche atmosphere before embarking on a thrilling ride of rapid-fire notes and long glissandos. As they delve deeper into the music, their interpretation reveals the sinister undertones that lie beneath Ravel's more radiant passages. This attention to detail is particularly evident in the 1905 Introduction and Allegro, which showcases Lucy Wakeford's harp playing as the perfect complement to the ensemble.

The String Quartet and Piano Trio are standout pieces here, with the instruments working in harmony to bring out the full range of colours and tones that define Ravel's style. The result is a truly captivating album that does justice to the composer's legacy – one that will leave listeners spellbound by its dazzling light and intriguing shade.

This final project from Freedman sets a high standard for the Nash Ensemble, cementing their reputation as one of the finest chamber music groups in the business. With performances like this, it's clear that they will continue to thrive long after her passing, thanks to the exceptional musicianship on display here.

I'm totally obsessed with Ravel lately and Amelia Freedman's all-Ravel album is like a dream come true . The Nash Ensemble really nails it, especially Beatson and Crawford-Phillips' chemistry is insane . I love how they bring out the darker vibes in La Valse, it's like they're speaking my language . And that harp playing by Lucy Wakeford? perfection . This album is a must-listen for any classical music fan, trust me .

OMG I'm so sad to hear Amelia Freedman is retiring from the Nash Ensemble ! But can you believe how talented these new musicians are? Alasdair Beatson and Simon Crawford-Phillips are absolute rockstars, their chemistry on this album is insane ! And Lucy Wakeford's harp skills in the Introduction and Allegro piece are pure magic . I'm so grateful we get to hear Ravel's music done justice like this. It's a perfect farewell for Amelia, she leaves behind an amazing legacy

I'm lovin' this all-Ravel album from the Nash Ensemble Amelia Freedman's legacy is so well-captured in these performances. The way Alasdair Beatson and Simon Crawford-Phillips tackle La Valse, it's like they're dancing on air ! And Lucy Wakeford's harp playing in the Introduction and Allegro is pure magic . I'm not surprised this album sets a high standard for the Nash Ensemble - their musicianship is top-notch . It's amazing how these artists can bring out all the nuances of Ravel's music, it's like they're speaking the same language as the composer himself . This album is definitely worth checking out if you're a fan of chamber music or just looking for something beautiful to listen to .

just listened to this ravel album and i'm blown away! amelia freedman's 60 years with the nash ensemble is a huge deal - the way they've curated these three chamber works from ravel's discography is pure gold . alasdair beatson, simon crawford-phillips, and lucy wakeford (harp) bring so much depth & nuance to the music, it's like you're right there in the room with them . this album is a fitting farewell for freedman & sets the nash ensemble up for even greater things can't wait to see what they do next

awww this album is soo gorgeous!!! I'm so happy Amelia Freedman gets to go out with such a bang! she's been an icon in the music world for ages & it's amazing to see the Nash Ensemble keep her legacy alive . the way they're all playing together is just magic , it gives me chills every time . I'm defo gonna go give this album a listen ASAP

I'm totally obsessed with Ravel's music right now and this album is a game changer! I love how the Nash Ensemble brought out all these intricate details in his compositions, especially in La Valse - it gives me chills every time I listen to it . And can we talk about the harp player Lucy Wakeford for a sec? She's got some serious skills . What I find really beautiful is how this album captures not just the light, airy side of Ravel's music but also those darker undertones that make his works so compelling . It's like you can feel the weight and emotion behind every note.

omg u guys i just listened to the new Ravel album by the Nash Ensemble and it's literally perfection ! Amelia Freedman's been with them for 60 yrs tho & it's a bittersweet ending but honestly the music speaks for itself Alasdair Beatson & Simon Crawford-Phillips are like the ultimate duo they bring this whole new level of depth to Ravel's pieces especially in the intro & allegro, Lucy Wakeford's harp playing is EVERYTHING i'm so hyped for the Nash Ensemble's future they're gonna keep slaying with talent like this

man I'm so glad they're releasing all these Ravel recordings now... back in my day we had to fight tooth and nail to get new music from old masters like him . but seriously, 60 years is crazy Amelia Freedman's the real MVP for sticking it out that long . I love how this album has so much depth, you can really feel the nuance in the playing - it's not just some polished surface level stuff . and Lucy Wakeford on harp? game changer . the Nash Ensemble's got a special something goin' on here, for sure... they're gonna be just fine without her .

Ravel's music is literally mesmerizing! I mean, have you ever listened to La Valse and just felt like you're floating away? It's like the notes are painting this intricate picture in your head and it's just... magic! This album is a perfect representation of that. The way Amelia Freedman curated these three pieces together is pure genius. And can we talk about Alasdair Beatson and Simon Crawford-Phillips? They're literally playing with the music, not just on top of it. It's like they're having this internal conversation between notes and it's giving me LIFE! I'm so grateful to have experienced some of Ravel's masterpieces through the Nash Ensemble. This album is a testament to Freedman's legacy and I know it'll be cherished by music lovers for years to come

I'M SO EXCITED TO SEE THIS ALBUM COMING OUT! IT'S SUCH A GREAT FAREWELL GIFT FOR AMELIA FREEDMAN AND THE NASH ENSEMBLE I LOVE HOW THEY'VE CHOSEN RAVEL'S MUSIC, HE'S LIKE, THE KING OF CHAMBER WORKS RIGHT? ANYWAY, THIS ALBUM SOUNDS AMAZING, ESPECIALLY WITH THAT HARP PLAYER LUCY WAKEFORD ON BOARD HER PART IN "INTRODUCTION AND ALLEGRO" IS GORGEOUS! I THINK IT'S WONDERFUL HOW THE NASH ENSEMBLE HAS BEEN ABLE TO EVOLVE OVER THE YEARS UNDER FREEDMAN'S LEADERSHIP, THEY'RE REALLY SETTING A HIGH BAR FOR THEMSELVES NOW!

just listened to the new Ravel album by the Nash Ensemble and I'm OBSESSED ! Amelia Freedman's vision for the group is finally coming to a close but what a way to go out - an all-Ravel recording that showcases their skill & artistry so perfectly. Alasdair Beatson & Simon Crawford-Phillips are absolute wizards on harp & violin, bringing this music to life with such nuance & emotion . The way they balance light & shade is pure magic , and Lucy Wakeford's harp playing in the String Quartet is sublime ! This album is a must-listen for anyone who loves classical music

just heard about this album and OMG I'm so glad Amelia Freedman is stepping down, she's been doing this for 60 years!!! that's dedication, right? but seriously though, this all-Ravel recording sounds AMAZING. I love how it brings together three larger chamber works - the String Quartet and Piano Trio must be so much fun to play! and the fact that they're able to capture Ravel's nuanced complexity is just incredible. I've listened to some of her past recordings with the Nash Ensemble before and they always sounded like a high-class affair

I'm still on page 5 of Amelia Freedman's farewell album with the Nash Ensemble . I gotta say, Alasdair Beatson and Simon Crawford-Phillips are absolute perfectionists - their chemistry is so strong it's like they were born to play those intricate Ravel pieces together . And Lucy Wakeford's harp playing in that Intro and Allegro? Mind. Blown. I was thinking about how the group came together, founded by Freedman herself... Does anyone know what her legacy means for classical music moving forward? Should we be worried that there won't be another Freedman-level visionary to carry on their torch?

I'M SO EXCITED ABOUT THIS RAVEL RECORDING!!! IT'S AMAZING HOW AMELIA FREEDMAN HAS MANAGED TO COAX SUCH BEAUTIFUL PERFORMANCES FROM THE NASH ENSEMBLE OVER THE YEARS . I MEAN, YOU CAN TELL THEY'RE A TEAM OF PROFESSIONALS WHEN YOU HEAR HOW WELL THEY WORK TOGETHER TO BRING OUT ALL THE Nuances AND SHADES IN RAVEL'S MUSIC. THE STRING QUARTET IS MY FAVE TRACK HERE - IT'S LIKE THE ENTIRE GROUP COMES TOGETHER TO CREATE THIS PERFECT BLEND OF LIGHT AND DARKNESS . ANYWAY, I JUST WANT TO SAY THANK YOU TO AMELIA FREEDMAN FOR LEAVING US WITH SUCH AN AMAZING LEGACY - SHE'S DEFINITELY SET THE BARS HIGH FOR THE NASH ENSEMBLE .

can't believe they're saying goodbye to Amelia Freedman already! 60 years is insane, she must be a total legend in the music world . I mean, who else can say they've been running an all-Ravel recording like that? it's such a great testament to her dedication and passion for the art form. I'm loving the way this album brings out all the nuances of Ravel's music - so much depth and complexity . And those standout pieces from Beatson, Crawford-Phillips, Wakeford... seriously, what more can you ask for?

idk why people still listen to 60 yr old classical music lol but i guess ravel is timeless or whatever... i mean, his stuff sounds fancy and all but sometimes it feels like he's just messing with us alasdair beatson and simon crawford-phillips are pretty cool tho, they know what they're doing. the harp part in intro & allegro is so chill, though

Just listened to this all-Ravel album and I'm low-key obsessed . Amelia Freedman's leaving the Nash Ensemble as artistic director is being celebrated in the best way possible - with an album that showcases their genius. Alasdair Beatson and Simon Crawford-Phillips are absolute perfection , especially in La Valse: they're like two musicians having a sultry conversation with Ravel's music . And can we talk about Lucy Wakeford's harp skills? Mind blown . The way this album balances light and shade is just spot on - it's like the perfect sunset . I'm so glad Freedman left her mark on the Nash Ensemble, because this album will keep them in the spotlight forever .

I'm telling you, something fishy is going on with classical music... They always throw a farewell concert for these legendary directors and it just so happens to be an all-Ravel album? It's like they're planting seeds in our minds while the director is still alive! And what about the instrumentation choices? La Valse has this "sinister undertone" vibe, but have you ever noticed how some pieces are carefully curated to create a specific emotional response? I'm not saying Amelia Freedman is bad or anything, but... did she really just happen to choose these exact pieces for her swan song? It's all about the narrative, my friends!

just listened to ravel all-star album and i gotta say its absolutely beautiful . 60 yrs with nash ensemble is a huge achievement for freedman and its lovely to see her legacy live on through this final project. those strings & harp playing together is like magic . cant help but feel happy that the group will continue to thrive after she's gone - music has a way of doing that, right?