Nash Ensemble Celebrates 60 Years with Dazzling Ravel Tribute
The Nash Ensemble's latest album is a poignant farewell to the group's founder, Amelia Freedman, who passed away in July. The all-Ravel recording brings together three chamber works and the composer's own two-piano arrangement of his orchestral masterpiece La Valse. Pianists Alasdair Beatson and Simon Crawford-Phillips deliver a polished performance that effortlessly transitions from luscious, lounge-inspired passages to virtuosic displays of technical prowess.
The ensemble's mastery of color and tone is particularly striking in the 1905 Introduction and Allegro, where Lucy Wakeford's harp playing is perfectly complemented by the seven instruments' intricate textures. The String Quartet and Piano Trio showcase the group's attention to detail, with instruments combining to capture the complex interplay of light and shade that are hallmarks of Ravel's music.
This album is a fitting tribute to Amelia Freedman's remarkable legacy, offering a glimpse into the Nash Ensemble's mastery of Ravel's chamber works. The performance is marked by precision, nuance, and a deep understanding of the composer's unique musical language – making this recording a must-listen for fans of 20th-century classical music.
The Nash Ensemble's latest album is a poignant farewell to the group's founder, Amelia Freedman, who passed away in July. The all-Ravel recording brings together three chamber works and the composer's own two-piano arrangement of his orchestral masterpiece La Valse. Pianists Alasdair Beatson and Simon Crawford-Phillips deliver a polished performance that effortlessly transitions from luscious, lounge-inspired passages to virtuosic displays of technical prowess.
The ensemble's mastery of color and tone is particularly striking in the 1905 Introduction and Allegro, where Lucy Wakeford's harp playing is perfectly complemented by the seven instruments' intricate textures. The String Quartet and Piano Trio showcase the group's attention to detail, with instruments combining to capture the complex interplay of light and shade that are hallmarks of Ravel's music.
This album is a fitting tribute to Amelia Freedman's remarkable legacy, offering a glimpse into the Nash Ensemble's mastery of Ravel's chamber works. The performance is marked by precision, nuance, and a deep understanding of the composer's unique musical language – making this recording a must-listen for fans of 20th-century classical music.
. They really outdid themselves with this all-Ravel tribute to their founder Amelia Freedman, it's like they bottled up her spirit into every single note 
. The way Alasdair Beatson and Simon Crawford-Phillips harmonize on piano is pure magic 
, and Lucy Wakeford's harp playing in the Introduction and Allegro is just, wow! 
I mean, Ravel is already a master of atmosphere and texture, but the Nash Ensemble takes it to a whole new level with their mastery of color and tone. It's like they're speaking directly to your soul 
, and that's what makes this album so special – it's not just music, it's an experience 
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I'm totally obsessed with the new Nash Ensemble album! They're really killing it with their Ravel tribute - the way they balance drama and elegance is EVERYTHING 
, but what really gets me is how they bring out the harp in that intro piece... Lucy's got some serious skills 
! It's like they're speaking Ravel's language or something 
- so nuanced and detailed. I'm already listening to this album on repeat 
. And let's be real, it's probably just a polished PR stunt to distract us from the fact that Ravel's music is getting old and people are losing interest. I mean, how many times can you re-record La Valse before it starts to sound like a bunch of rich people playing at their summer homes 
? Still, I guess if you're into that sorta thing, the album might be alright... but I'm not holding my breath 
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! I mean, they're still going strong after 60 years, and it's amazing to see how they can still make such beautiful music together. Alasdair Beatson and Simon Crawford-Phillips are like a dynamic duo on piano - their chemistry is electric 
. And Lucy Wakeford's harp playing in the Introduction and Allegro is just heavenly 
. It's clear that the ensemble has a deep understanding of Maurice Ravel's music, it's not just some fancy arrangement... they're actually feeling the emotions and the complexity of his compositions. I'm definitely going to listen to this album again and again 
. I mean, Amelia Freedman was the founder and all, but can't we just focus on the existential dread of growing older for a sec? 
The fact that she passed away in July just adds to the melancholy vibe of the album... 
Still, I guess if you're into that sorta thing, it's a pretty great tribute... 
. I mean, I get it, Ravel is an iconic composer and all, but three chamber works in one album feels like a bit too much? Don't get me wrong, the guys do sound super polished and precise, but for me, that's where it gets a bit repetitive 
. The harp playing is lovely, I'll give 'em that... but can we get some more variety in the tracks? Just saying 
. alasdair beatson and simon crawford-phillips are like a dynamic duo on piano, it's insane how they can go from smooth to virtuosic in a split second 
! Those pianists Alasdair and Simon are absolute wizards 
at their instruments, it's like they're having a conversation with each other through music. The way Lucy Wakeford's harp adds this ethereal quality to the pieces is just magic 
? I'm not saying it's anything nefarious, but someone's gotta ask questions about this album. Is it all just a clever marketing ploy to get people hooked on classical music again? 
! The way they brought out all these different colors and textures was super impressive, especially in that harp piece - Lucy Wakeford's playing is just magic 
Music has been woven into the fabric of our lives, and sometimes it's those special moments that make us appreciate its beauty even more 