The Nash Ensemble's all-Ravel album is a fitting swan song for the group's beloved artistic director Amelia Freedman, who passed away in July. The collection brings together three larger chamber works, as well as the composer's own two-piano arrangement of La Valse, orchestrated for a solo piano duo. In this remarkable recording, Alasdair Beatson and Simon Crawford-Phillips form a polished partnership that captures Ravel's music in all its captivating complexity.
From the outset, Beatson and Crawford-Phillips demonstrate a seamless rapport, their playing exuding an effortless sophistication that belies the intricate textures and nuances of the music. They execute Ravel's demanding passages with ease, their fingers dancing across the keyboard with precision and speed. However, as the album progresses, they reveal a darker side to Ravel's oeuvre, conjuring up the sinister undertones that lie at the heart of works like La Valse.
One of the most striking aspects of this recording is its attention to detail. The instruments come together and separate in a kaleidoscopic dance of sound, creating a rich tapestry of texture and tone that draws the listener in. Take, for example, the Introduction and Allegro, where Lucy Wakeford's harp playing is matched by the ensemble's nimble and expressive performances across a wide range of instruments.
It's the ensemble's focus on color and tone that really sets this recording apart, imbuing Ravel's music with a depth and luminosity that's hard to resist. Whether it's the vibrancy of their String Quartet or the exuberance of their Piano Trio, this Nash Ensemble is on top form, capturing the dazzling light and intriguing shade that define this iconic composer's work.
From the outset, Beatson and Crawford-Phillips demonstrate a seamless rapport, their playing exuding an effortless sophistication that belies the intricate textures and nuances of the music. They execute Ravel's demanding passages with ease, their fingers dancing across the keyboard with precision and speed. However, as the album progresses, they reveal a darker side to Ravel's oeuvre, conjuring up the sinister undertones that lie at the heart of works like La Valse.
One of the most striking aspects of this recording is its attention to detail. The instruments come together and separate in a kaleidoscopic dance of sound, creating a rich tapestry of texture and tone that draws the listener in. Take, for example, the Introduction and Allegro, where Lucy Wakeford's harp playing is matched by the ensemble's nimble and expressive performances across a wide range of instruments.
It's the ensemble's focus on color and tone that really sets this recording apart, imbuing Ravel's music with a depth and luminosity that's hard to resist. Whether it's the vibrancy of their String Quartet or the exuberance of their Piano Trio, this Nash Ensemble is on top form, capturing the dazzling light and intriguing shade that define this iconic composer's work.
after listening to The Nash Ensemble's new Ravel album! Amelia Freedman would be SO proud of Alasdair Beatson & Simon Crawford-Phillips - they're like TWO PIANO HEAVENS together 
Their chemistry is insane! 
I love how they balance the light & dark vibes in Ravel's music, it's like a masterclass in contrasts 
The attention to detail is insane, u can hear every little thing... even Lucy Wakeford's harp playing is stunning 
This album is literally the perfect swan song for Amelia, I'm getting teary-eyed just thinking about it 
Can't wait to listen to more of their recordings!
the way they balance each other out is pure magic. and i love how they bring out the darker side of Ravel's work, it's so underrated 
this album is giving me all the feels, from the intricate textures to the sheer joy of their performances 
Just listened to The Nash Ensemble's Ravel album and I gotta say it's like a perfect example of how music can transport you to another world 
. Their interpretation of La Valse is super haunting, gives me chills every time 
. Also love how they've captured the intricate details of the pieces, makes me wanna dive deeper into Ravel's work 
. The way Alasdair Beatson and Simon Crawford-Phillips play together is just magic 
, I'm not surprised this was one of Amelia Freedman's last projects 
. Definitely recommend checking it out if you're a fan of classical music 
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just listened to The Nash Ensemble's Ravel album and I'm OBSESSED 
! Amelia Freedman may be gone but her legacy lives on through Alasdair Beatson & Simon Crawford-Phillips' incredible collaboration 
. Their chemistry is real, it's like they were meant to play together from the start 
. The way they balance light and dark in Ravel's music is pure magic 
it's like the instruments are having a party together 
! Anyways, if you're a fan of Ravel or just great music in general, do yourself a favor and check this out ASAP 
The detail in this recording is insane, I mean, every instrument is so well-represented. And can we talk about Lucy Wakeford's harp playing in that Introduction and Allegro piece? Mind. Blown.
. And oh man, the attention to detail is insane! You can hear each instrument coming together perfectly, it's like magic 
. I loved how Lucy Wakeford's harp added that extra layer of depth to La Valse - it gave me chills 
. The Nash Ensemble really outdid themselves with this album, it's a must-listen for any music lover! 
! The way Alasdair Beatson and Simon Crawford-Phillips play together is like magic 
It's clear that they've put so much love and care into this album, and it really shows in the music.
. And that harp playing by Lucy Wakeford? Absolutely stunning! 
It's amazing to see how all these different instruments come together to create this rich tapestry of sound.
, it's like they're painting a picture with music. I'm not even kidding, I felt like I was transported to another world listening to this album 
!
, but at least her legacy lives on through this amazing all-Ravel album 
... and that harp playing in the Introduction and Allegro? 
This Nash Ensemble is really something special, not just because they're doing Ravel justice but also because they're making you want to listen again and again 
... I mean, she was an amazing artistic director & I loved how The Nash Ensemble's new Ravel album does justice to her memory 
. This album is definitely a must-listen for anyone who loves classical music - it's so polished & sophisticated, but still has that special something that makes you feel all the feels 
Alasdair Beatson & Simon Crawford-Phillips are like two peas in a pod 
La Valse is giving me chills! 
, but does she really need that much space to shine? Give me a good ol' fashioned orchestra any day 
. and Alasdair Beatson & Simon Crawford-Phillips? 
perfect chemistry, effortless sophistication... I mean, I'd love to see them play live 
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