Five stars: An exquisite recital by Michala Petri and Marie Nishiyama

ON A GROUND  Michala Petri1 (rcr); Marie Nishiyama (baroque hp)  OUR 8.226927 (76:03) Reviewed from a wav download with resolution 16/44.1

CARR 1An Italian Ground. ANON 1Tollet’s Ground. 1Greensleeves to a ground. FARINEL 1Faronells Ground (Folia). ORTIZ 1Recardara Primera-Ottava. MARCELLO 1Oboe Concerto in d, S.Z799: Adagio. BACH 1Harpsichord Concerto in f, BWV 1056: Adagio. The Well-Tempered Clavier, Book I: Prelude in C, BWV 846. HANNIBAL 1Dreams. 1Sunset Dance. 1Twilight on a ground. Waves – on a ground. SATIE 1Gymnopédies 1-3. GLUCK 1Orfeo ed Euridice: Dance of the Blessed Spirits and Melody. BACH/GOUNOD 1Ave Maria

On a Ground is a radiant program of works spanning “Renaissance Spain to 21st century Denmark.” The uniting theme, both across the repertoire and within each piece, is the deployment of the repeated ground bass. The selected works are intimate, lyrical, and hypnotic. Recordist Michale Petri and Marie Nishiyama, performing on the baroque harp, play with characteristically exquisite tonal beauty and consummate artistry. Nishiyama’s solo rendition of Bach’s C-Major Prelude to Book I of The Well-Tempered Clavier, immediately followed by the duo’s rendering of the Bach/Gound Ave Maria, is a most appropriate and magical conclusion. The booklet notes describe Petri and Mishiyama’s On the Ground as “exploring the intimate, healing sounds of their ancient, yet timeless instruments.” Such language makes me fear that this recital might be consigned to background music for yoga classes or massage sessions. Of course, the recording would suit such purposes. But On a Ground is a recital that commands full and undivided attention. Warmly recommended. Ken Meltzer May 20th 2025