Ferdinand Ries (1784-1838) has long been lurking in the shadows of musical history, his place in the footnotes assured through his role as Beethoven’s student, amanuensis, and de facto agent. Yet his position by Beethoven’s side has probably limited most historical assessment of Ries himself. His compositions span all the main genres, including eight symphonies, three operas, and some twenty-six string quartets. Yet it is his repertoire for piano that is his most extensive and surely his most accomplished writing. As well as numerous solo pieces, Ries composed various works for chamber combinations that include the piano. The Nash Ensemble performs four of these attractive works, showcasing the merits of a lesser-known composer and his music.
Ferdinand Ries: Piano Trio and Sextets – Nash Ensemble
