Ashley Wass’s new project “Black and White” marks a significant milestone in the British pianist and educator’s musical journey, approximately 40 years since first touching the keys of a piano.
BLACK AND WHITE
Johann Sebastian Bach (1685 – 1750)
1. Prelude No. 1 in C Major, BWV 846
Frederic Mompou (1893 – 1987)
2. Música callada I: No. 1, Angelico
Gabriel Fauré (1845 – 1924)
3. Après un rêve
Ludwig van Beethoven (1770 – 1827)
4. Adagio sostenuto from Piano Sonata No.14 in C sharp minor (‘Moonlight’), Op.27, Mvt. 1
Robert Schumann (1810 – 1856)
5. Träumerei, “Kinderszenen” No. 7, Scenes from Childhood
Erik Satie (1866 – 1925)
6. Trois Gnossiennes : Gnossienne No. 1
Ludovico Einaudi (1955-)
7. Nuvole Bianche (White Clouds)
Percy Grainger (1882 – 1961)
8. Irish Tune from County Derry (Danny Boy)
Max Richter (1966 –)
9. Written on the Sky
Frédéric Chopin (1810 – 1849)
10. Nocturne No. 20 in C♯ minor
Claude Debussy (1862 – 1918)
11. Suite bergamasque, L. 75, Mvt. III, “Clair de lune”
Ashley Wass, Piano
Ashley Wass’s new project “Black and White” marks a significant milestone in the British pianist and educator’s musical journey, approximately 40 years since first touching the keys of a piano.
With a distinguished career spanning three decades of performing at the highest level, including prestigious events such as the Queen’s Jubilee and the Proms, Wass now embarks on a new chapter. Drawing inspiration from composers including Debussy, Chopin, Beethoven and Satie, whose works have been a constant presence in his life, Wass seeks to reconnect with the music that originally ignited his passion for the piano. This project is a reflection of the pianist’s desire to find stillness, focus on the joy music brings, and to share the gift of music with his young children. The album and corresponding live tours emphasise the happiness and personal significance Wass has found in each of the 12 selected pieces, creating a reflective musical journey filled with the creative expression, confidence and experience he has found after four decades at the piano, and ultimately marking a new chapter in Ashley Wass’s career.
Ashley Wass, a veteran pianist, educator, and chamber musician, boasts a rich career spanning three decades. Former Deputy Head of Keyboard Studies at the Royal Northern College of Music and a Professor at the Royal College of Music, he co-founded Mash Productions and directed the Lincolnshire International Chamber Music Festival for over a decade. Trained at Chetham’s School of Music and the Royal Academy of Music, he won the London International Piano Competition in 1997 and received huge acclaim for his debut recording of César Franck’s piano compositions.
As a BBC Radio 3 New Generation Artist and prizewinner at the Leeds Piano Competition, Wass has performed with many of the major orchestras of the world and at events including the Queen’s Golden Jubilee and the BBC Proms, where he has made several appearances. As a keen chamber musician he also co-founded Trio Apaches, a group renowned for their captivating performances and innovative programming, including acclaimed broadcasts on BBC Radio 3 and collaborations with the BBC National Orchestra of Wales.
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