The Nash Ensemble's all-Ravel recording marks a fitting conclusion to Amelia Freedman's six-decade tenure as artistic director. The project brings together three chamber works, plus the composer's own two-piano arrangement of his orchestral masterpiece La Valse, bringing together Alasdair Beatson and Simon Crawford-Phillips in a polished partnership.
Initially, Beatson and Crawford-Phillips set off with a wonderfully louche tone that gradually intensifies as the music takes on a more sinister nature. This duo delivers fistfuls of notes and extended glissandos with ease, perfectly capturing Ravel's music's increasingly dark side.
The 1905 Introduction and Allegro is notable not just for its ability to showcase the harp's capabilities but also for how the seven instruments blend together seamlessly to create intricate textural patterns. The String Quartet and Piano Trio performances are particularly striking, thanks to their attention to detail in color and tone – these small nuances prove crucial in conveying Ravel's characteristic dazzling light and captivating shadow.
The true strength of this recording lies in its ability to bring out the inner workings of Ravel's music. It is through these subtle yet vital details that the Nash Ensemble demonstrates a deep understanding of their subject matter, ultimately delivering an album that truly does justice to its iconic composer.
Initially, Beatson and Crawford-Phillips set off with a wonderfully louche tone that gradually intensifies as the music takes on a more sinister nature. This duo delivers fistfuls of notes and extended glissandos with ease, perfectly capturing Ravel's music's increasingly dark side.
The 1905 Introduction and Allegro is notable not just for its ability to showcase the harp's capabilities but also for how the seven instruments blend together seamlessly to create intricate textural patterns. The String Quartet and Piano Trio performances are particularly striking, thanks to their attention to detail in color and tone – these small nuances prove crucial in conveying Ravel's characteristic dazzling light and captivating shadow.
The true strength of this recording lies in its ability to bring out the inner workings of Ravel's music. It is through these subtle yet vital details that the Nash Ensemble demonstrates a deep understanding of their subject matter, ultimately delivering an album that truly does justice to its iconic composer.
I totally agree with what others are saying, this recording by The Nash Ensemble sounds AMAZING 
, I mean who wouldn't want to hear Alasdair Beatson and Simon Crawford-Phillips playing together? 
they're like a perfect match made in heaven for Ravel's music. And I love how they capture the different moods of his songs, from the louche tone to the more sinister parts... it gives me chills 
!
Their take on Ravel's works is seriously giving me life! I mean, the way Beatson and Crawford-Phillips tackle those chamber pieces is like magic 
. It's like they're conjuring up this dark, moody atmosphere that just draws you in and won't let go 
. And can we talk about how polished their sound is? I'm talking spot on, note for note 
. What really gets me, though, is the way they bring out all these tiny details that make Ravel's music shine so bright 
. Like, those harp parts in the Introduction and Allegro? Mind blown 
but seriously this Ravel recording by the Nash Ensemble is actually pretty dope they're like masters at capturing that dark and sinister vibe in his music 
alasdair beatson and simon crawford-phillips are a dynamic duo, their chemistry is on point 
. Think about it, Ravel was a master at crafting music that's both beautiful and complex, but also kinda dark and sinister - sounds like some folks in Washington are trying to hide something from us too 
. Anyway, this album gets it right, they're not just playing the surface level of the music, they're digging deep into the nuances and details that make Ravel's music so iconic 
.