Black and White - Ashley Wass

Black and White

Ashley Wass

  • 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.