The Nash Ensemble presents a captivating collection of American chamber music with their album "Herrmann, Gershwin, Waxman & Copland: American Chamber Music." Released on Hyperion in 2015, this album spans a diverse range of styles and moods, showcasing the versatility of composers who also made significant contributions to Hollywood film scores.
The ensemble, consisting of Richard Hosford on clarinet, Marianne Thorsen and Laura Samuel on violins, Lawrence Power on viola, and Rebecca Gilliver on cello, delivers a nuanced and engaging performance throughout the album's 75-minute duration. The tracklist is a delightful mix of well-known pieces and hidden gems, including George Gershwin's lively "Fascinating Rhythm" and "I Got Rhythm," as well as Aaron Copland's evocative "4 Scenes from Childhood" for violin and piano.
The album also features works by Bernard Herrmann, known for his iconic film scores, and Franz Waxman, another prominent figure in the world of cinema music. Herrmann's "Souvenirs de voyage" for clarinet quintet and Waxman's "Billy the Kid" for cello and piano are standout pieces that highlight the ensemble's technical prowess and expressive range.
With its engaging performances and diverse repertoire, this album offers a rich listening experience that showcases the Nash Ensemble's artistry and the enduring appeal of American chamber music.
Souvenirs de voyage for Clarinet Quintet: I. Lento. Molto tranquillo – Allegro moderato – Lento. Molto tranquillo – AdagioBernard Herrmann, Laura Samuel, Lawrence Power, Marianne Thorsen, Rebecca Gilliver, Richard Hosford, Nash Ensemble
Souvenirs de voyage for Clarinet Quintet: II. Andante. BerceuseBernard Herrmann, Rebecca Gilliver, Nash Ensemble, Richard Hosford, Marianne Thorsen, Lawrence Power, Laura Samuel
Souvenirs de voyage for Clarinet Quintet: III. Andantino. Canto amorosoBernard Herrmann, Marianne Thorsen, Rebecca Gilliver, Laura Samuel, Lawrence Power, Richard Hosford, Nash Ensemble
Clap Yo' HandsGeorge Gershwin, Ian Brown, Nash Ensemble
Do-Do-DoGeorge Gershwin, Ian Brown, Nash Ensemble
Do It AgainGeorge Gershwin, Nash Ensemble, Ian Brown
Fascinating RhythmGeorge Gershwin, Nash Ensemble, Ian Brown
I Got RhythmGeorge Gershwin, Nash Ensemble, Ian Brown
I'll Build a Stairway to ParadiseGeorge Gershwin, Ian Brown, Nash Ensemble
LizaGeorge Gershwin, Ian Brown, Nash Ensemble
The Man I LoveGeorge Gershwin, Ian Brown, Nash Ensemble
My One and OnlyGeorge Gershwin, Ian Brown, Nash Ensemble
Nobody But YouGeorge Gershwin, Ian Brown, Nash Ensemble
Oh, Lady Be GoodGeorge Gershwin, Ian Brown, Nash Ensemble
Somebody Loves MeGeorge Gershwin, Ian Brown, Nash Ensemble
Strike Up the BandGeorge Gershwin, Ian Brown, Nash Ensemble
SwaneeGeorge Gershwin, Ian Brown, Nash Ensemble
Sweet and Low DownGeorge Gershwin, Ian Brown, Nash Ensemble
S WonderfulGeorge Gershwin, Ian Brown, Nash Ensemble
That Certain FeelingGeorge Gershwin, Ian Brown, Nash Ensemble
Who Cares?George Gershwin, Ian Brown, Nash Ensemble
4 Scenes from Childhood for Violin and Piano: I. Good MorningFranz Waxman, Ian Brown, Marianne Thorsen, Nash Ensemble
5 Scenes from Childhood for Violin and Piano: II. PromenadeFranz Waxman, Ian Brown, Marianne Thorsen, Nash Ensemble
6 Scenes from Childhood for Violin and Piano: III. PlaytimeFranz Waxman, Nash Ensemble, Ian Brown, Marianne Thorsen
7 Scenes from Childhood for Violin and Piano: IV. Bedtime Story. The Fairy PrincessFranz Waxman, Marianne Thorsen, Ian Brown, Nash Ensemble
Promenade "Walking the Dog" (Arr. Wakefield for Clarinet & Piano)George Gershwin, Ian Brown, Richard Hosford, Nash Ensemble
Lullaby for String QuartetGeorge Gershwin, Lawrence Power, Laura Samuel, Marianne Thorsen, Nash Ensemble, Rebecca Gilliver
Billy the Kid: I. Waltz. Molto moderato (Version for Cello & Piano)Aaron Copland, Ian Brown, Rebecca Gilliver, Nash Ensemble
Billy the Kid: II. Celebration. Allegro (Version for Cello & Piano)Aaron Copland, Rebecca Gilliver, Ian Brown, Nash Ensemble