Press
Feature: "The 25 Best Classical Music Tracks of 2019"
—The New York Times
Feature: BBC Radio 3, Best of 2019
—BBC Radio 3
Feature: BBC Radio 3, Key Recordings to Buy or Stream
- BBC Radio 3
“distinctive and distinguished chamber works”
—The Guardian
“The Neave Trio, playing superbly, offer three impressive piano trios by women.”
—The Times UK
“a splendid introduction to these three pioneering female composers.” ... “sumptuously recorded” ... “a taut and vivid interpretation” [Clarke]
—Gramophone
"Neave Trio has stirred excitement from the start" ... "Part of the reason for the group's success lies in its innovative programming" ... "Highly recommended."
—AllMusic
“Her trio opens the disc, crackling with energy and joie de vivre, and in the capable hands of the Neave players Farrenc’s poised and elegant writing shimmers.” ... “The tone is set from its first astringent chords, and the Neave players delight in Clarke’s desolate, post-Romantic melodies, thrilling to her extremes of light and shade.” ... “The dreamy cello melody of the opening Allegro - luxuriously played by Mikhail Veselov - blooms into tender interplay between the strings. Violinist Anna Williams echoes Veselov’s delicate touch, underpinned by eminently sensitive pianism from Eri Nakamura. It’s a finely etched and persuasive performance…” [Beach]
—The Strad
“I was spellbound by the generous and warm-hearted, utterly beguiling playing of Beach’s Trio … There is much to enjoy in this attractive recital, which opens with a trio by Farrenc … This substantial and formally ambitious work is well-served in this gutsy, energetic performance … The highlight of the recital is Clarke’s Trio. This shows enormous stylistic variety, from great pathos to playful mischievousness to exuberant virtuosity, and the Neave Trio help us enjoy every moment of it … the pleasure of this recital is its sheer breadth of inspiration.”
—BBC Music Magazine
Feature: "In Tune" with Katie Derham
—BBC Radio 3
Listen to the interview / live performance
"The playing is spectacular, per usual for the Neave Trio, and the opportunity to familiarize yourself with some brilliant compositions by three marginalized composers is simply not to be missed."
-Classical WCRB, "Out of the Box"
"Shine is ... a fitting term for this performance, especially by pianist Eri Nakamura, who is aided by a glorious recording of her excellent Steinway D [Farrenc] ... Piano, violin, and cello are ... ideally integrated, sounding almost as one [Beach] ... This is a marvelous program, ideally planned and executed. I cannot remember a piano trio record which has given me more pleasure."
—Fanfare Magazine
Feature: "Anna Williams, Neave Trio Celebrate Piazzolla, Open Window Into Chamber Music"
—Classical Post
Feature: "Fifteen Questions Interview with the Neave Trio"
— Fifteen Questions
Feature: "Violinist Anna Marie Williams of the Neave Trio on Roussel’s Piano Trio"
—Strings Magazine
“Neave Trio gave a beautifully shaped performance of Astor Piazzolla’s Four Seasons of Buenos Aires as arranged by José Bragato, the cellist in Piazzolla’s tango quintet, for which it was written.”
—Wall Street Journal
“The three showed off perfect precision in the excitable racing passages of ‘Spring.’” … “They brought out all the drama in the jazzy romance of ‘Summer.’”
—BlogCritics
“A radiant, bright young trio whose repertoire risks pay off in spades."
“a captivating and sensitive performance that maintains a delicacy of touch without sacrificing any of the work’s passion. Another thought-provoking program from this young trio, recorded with a lovely presence and very good balance between instruments.”
—Limelight Magazine
"This was a remarkably well-done album. The excellent sound quality, the collaboration with musicians familiar with Astor Piazzolla, and the excellent technique by all musicians involved speaks well of this young ensemble. Bravo!"
—Audiophile Audition
"Celebrating Piazzolla, the latest offering from the Neave Trio, is every bit as spirited as I anticipated. The violin, cello, and piano format suits the composer’s beautiful and distinguished Argentinian tangos nuevos, four of which open the album in arrangements by José Bragato, a cellist and composer and onetime colleague of Astor Piazzolla’s. Presented as a suite, “Las cuatro estaciones porteños” encompass the wide emotional range the music suggests – plucky, anxious, romantic, melancholy. Together the three musicians craft the feel of a much larger band. Violinist Anna Williams and cellist Mikhail Veselov take turns evoking the bandoneón through a combination of technique and imaginative force. Pianist Eri Nakamura summons orchestral depth, by turns dark and brilliant, from the keys."
— BlogCritics
"These works of French style are woven by the American 'Neave Trio' with relaxed elegance. The name of the trio is derived from a Gaelic name, which means 'radiant' or 'joyfully radiant'. In this way they breathe charming life into these three works, a treat for the ears. Their interaction is excellent and the recording captures the musicians' well-balanced sound that unfolds freely...In an all-French program, the American Neave trio attractively underlines the lightness and the elegance of the music. Superb performances, truly recommendable!"
— Pizzicato
"The Neave’s make fiery work of José Bragato’s arrangement of Piazzolla’s Las cuatro estaciones porteñas, a set of four “portraits” of Buenos Aires that correspond to each of the year’s season. “Primavera Porteña,” with its biting rhythms and slashing accents, draws torrid playing from violinist Anna Williams, in particular. The second movement, “Verano Porteño,” receives a swooning, sultry reading from the group, while cellist Mikhail Veselov makes scorching work of his solos in “Otoño Porteño.” A glowing nostalgia informs the lush finale, “Invierno Porteño."
— Arts Fuse
"Saturday’s concert drew selections from four centuries, leading off with the earliest, an 18th-century Piano Trio in D Major, composed in 1790 by Josef Haydn who wrote over 50 piano trios. One of his later pieces influenced by Mozart, the Neave performance brought their heightened, characteristic expressiveness, as more than equal to the task of underscoring Haydn’s chameleon earnestness and whimsical humor that is embedded in the piece: the sudden halt, the progress of romance quickly switching over to a social event, the violin disagreeing with the piano, while the cello regards both violin and piano as having lost their place, or minds, or both. Yet, of course, it was the Eri Nakamura on piano who had the authoritative last “word” on everything...Anna Williams was stunningly arresting on her 1794 Gagliano violin, as Veselov on cello kept in tandem at a lower register: it was as if the violin and cello were a married couple conversing with a friend, the piano. The Trio played with intimate unity. For encore, they played the Spring movement from Astor Piazzolla’s Four Seasonsof Buenos Aires (1965-70). In this effervescent work all three players were able to cut loose with small comic runs from slippery glissando runs across the keyboard to spirited tango rhythms on violin and even pesky insect sounds on cello. After the cryptic high-seriousness of the Brahms, this was a joyous shout to Nature that concluded with a spontaneous thunderstorm. The audience warmly demanded two long bows. If you missed this concert, you can find some of their recordings on the Chandos label, but a live concert is the real thing."
— The Millbrook Independent
"Following their 2016 release American Moments, featuring music of Foote, Korngold and Bernstein, the Neave Trio returns with an enchanting new disc entitled French Moments – Fauré, Debussy, Roussel...The Neave Trio is in fine form throughout, obviously thoroughly at home in this repertoire. It is easy to see why they continue to receive glowing praise wherever they perform. As part of its mission to “create new pathways for classical music and engage a wider audience,” the Neave Trio champions new works and frequently collaborates with artists of all mediums, participating in multiple award-winning productions with dance companies and filmmakers. Evidently “Neave” is a Gaelic name meaning “bright” and “radiant” – an apt moniker for this shining ensemble."
— The Whole Note
“Passion, vibrancy and a riot of colours characterise the Neave Trio's disc for Chandos. French Moments … sees the ensemble bringing eloquent phrasing and deft control of textures to works by Fauré, Debussy and Roussel.”
—The Strad
"The performances balance passion with sensitivity and grace."
—BBC Music Magazine
"[Fauré's Piano Trio] is scrupulously played and emotionally reined in . . . Debussy is all sparking elegance and wit . . .the slow movement [of Roussel's Piano Trio], with its closely woven string counterpoint over insistent piano chords, has a dark intensity and is most beautifully done."
—Gramophone
"What they’ve got here, on their second Chandos album, is wonderful ... Debussy’s G-major Trio is the disc’s centerpiece and is played with a delicate touch ... they freely dig into [Roussel's] lyrical extremes, making vivid work of the stirring opening movement and delivering a haunting, introspective reading of the second ... there’s plenty of drama to be found in the Neave’s performance ... a fresh, enticingly-played release, highly recommended."
—The ArtsFuse
"The Best New Recordings of 2018 (So Far) . . . The up-and-coming Neave Trio makes a compelling case for these lesser-known piano trios by Roussel, Debussy and Fauré, coloring them with exquisite phrasing and delicate touch."
—WQXR
"the players find what's important and stirring in the music . . . The Debussy Piano Trio No. 1 in G major . . . is given an entirely appropriate brisk, slightly brash performance . . . this album will satisfyingly fill many an empty space in collections of French music."
—AllMusic
“RECORDING OF THE MONTH . . . All three of these very gifted players have such manifest commitment to, and love of, the music they perform . . . This is a superb disc."
—Music Web International
“The three piano trios offered by the Neave Trio . . . provide perfect vehicles to justify the etymology of the ensemble’s chosen title, since ‘Neave’ derives from the Gaelic designation for ‘bright’ and ‘radiant’ . . . The Neave Trio has imbued this rare chamber work with a sonic, luster elegant and refined."
—Audiophile Audition
“These are such talented musicians, and they've put together another fascinating CD program . . . This is powerful, moving music, played with great sentiment but also grace and finesse.”
—Music for Several Instruments
"Electric energy and easy virtuosity . . . With persistent flair, the musicians brought out the complex textures, jazzy rhythms, and moody drama of all three works on the program. Their name may be Gaelic, but they are young masters of both the classic and the modern 'American' modes."
—Blogcritics
"A piano trio of maturity, subtlety and substance . . . bright and radiant and, indeed, lively and entertaining."
—Planet Hugill
WXXI Classical 91.5, Backstage Pass with the Neave Trio
"The title of the ensemble comes from a Gaelic name and translates to 'bright' or 'radiant.' The certainly lived up that description in their vigorous performance ... featuring high energy works by Faure, Foote and Piazzolla."
—Hardwick Gazette
"We had the remarkable Beaux Arts Trio for a good half century . . . [now] the Neave Trio presented indications that another young ensemble is poised to join their ranks . . . a delectable joyful surprise . . . It is inconceivable to me that they will not soon be among the busiest chamber ensembles going.”
—Boston Musical Intelligencer
"I’ve claimed repeatedly that we are blessed to be living in a golden age of . . . chamber music . . . we have exceeded the gold standard and have now moved on to platinum. Yes, the Neave Trio is that good . . . This quite simply is the most rapturously beautiful performance of Fauré’s Trio I’ve ever heard. It blows away . . . countless others I’ve heard . . . among which are the Beaux Arts . . . You can look for this on my Want List, because it’s definitely going to be on it.”
—Fanfare Magazine
"NEAVE is actually a Gaelic name meaning ‘bright’ and ‘radiant,’ both of which certainly apply to this trio’s music making.”
—WQXR Radio
"My introduction to the Neave Trio was a revelation."
—SDNews
"RECORDING OF THE MONTH . . . emphatically worth hearing simply for the inspired quality of the music-making . . . I do hope that an established recording label will get hold of this brilliant trio and provide them with the opportunity to record more . . . It was a joy to listen to this disc.”
—Music Web International
"An historic concert . . . In the first movement [Korngold Trio], there are near-instant changes in color between phrases. The players of the Neave Trio were able to take those turns on a dime . . . the ensemble’s balance was on point through the entire concert . . . polished and energetic . . . The Trio takes it's name from the Gaelic word 'neave' meaning bright and radiant. Whether their name or their sound came first, it seems an appropriate fit."
—Palm Beach Arts Paper
"The ensemble displayed beautiful tone, precise synchronization and remarkable balance. . . A consummate ensemble."
—Palm Beach Daily News
"This trio plays with an excitement I’ve not seen in many moons. They are fabulous. And I mean FABULOUS. The audience went nuts over them. Many said it was the best concert they’d seen in years.”
—The La Jolla Athenaeum
"...chamber music that cut to the bone."
—San Diego Story
"a delectable joyful surprise ... It is inconceivable to me that they will not soon be among the busiest chamber ensembles going."
– The Boston Musical Intelligencer
“The performances balance passion with sensitivity and grace,”
- BBC Music Magazine
“eloquent phrasing and deft control of textures”
- The Strad
“Neave Trio gave a beautifully shaped performance of Astor Piazzolla’s Four Seasons of Buenos Aires as arranged by José Bragato, the cellist in Piazzolla’s tango quintet, for which it was written.”
- The Wall Street Journal
"the ensemble’s balance was on point through the entire concert ... polished and energetic"
– Palm Beach Arts Paper
"My introduction to the Neave Trio was a revelation."
– SDNews
"The ensemble displayed beautiful tone, precise synchronization and remarkable balance ... A consummate ensemble."
– Palm Beach Daily News
“Their unanimity, communication, variety of touch, and expressive sensibility rate first tier.”
– The Boston Musical Intelligencer
"the players find what's important and stirring in the music ... The Debussy Piano Trio No. 1 in G major ... is given an entirely appropriate brisk, slightly brash performance ... this album will satisfyingly fill many an empty space in collections of French music."
– AllMusic
"The Best New Recordings of 2018 (So Far) ... The up-and-coming Neave Trio makes a compelling case for these lesser-known piano trios by Roussel, Debussy and Fauré, coloring them with exquisite phrasing and delicate touch."
– WQXR
"Electric energy and easy virtuosity . . . With persistent flair, the musicians brought out the complex textures, jazzy rhythms, and moody drama of all three works on the program. Their name may be Gaelic, but they are young masters of both the classic and the modern 'American' modes." – Blogcritics
“thrilling,” “wild energy,” “electrifying,”
- Gramophone
“the energetic edginess, the snap, the rhythm sound convincing, totally invigorating, and authentic.”
- Classics Today
"The title of the ensemble comes from a Gaelic name and translates to 'bright' or 'radiant.' The certainly lived up that description in their vigorous performance ... featuring high energy works by Faure, Foote and Piazzolla."
– Hardwick Gazette
“the three piano trios offered by the Neave Trio...provide perfect vehicles to justify the etymology of the ensemble’s chosen title, since ‘Neave’ derives from the Gaelic designation for ‘bright’ and ‘radiant.’ ... The Neave Trio has imbued this rare chamber work with a sonic luster elegant and refined.”
– Audiophile Audition
“All three of these very gifted players have such manifest commitment to, and love of, the music they perform . . . This is a superb disc."
– Music Web International
“The three piano trios offered by the Neave Trio . . . provide perfect vehicles to justify the etymology of the ensemble’s chosen title, since ‘Neave’ derives from the Gaelic designation for ‘bright’ and ‘radiant’ . . . The Neave Trio has imbued this rare chamber work with a sonic luster elegant and refined."
– Audiophile Audition
“These are such talented musicians, and they've put together another fascinating CD program . . . This is powerful, moving music, played with great sentiment but also grace and finesse.”
– Music for Several Instruments
"RECORDING OF THE MONTH . . . emphatically worth hearing simply for the inspired quality of the music-making . . . I do hope that an established recording label will get hold of this brilliant trio and provide them with the opportunity to record more . . . It was a joy to listen to this disc.”
– Music Web International
"what they’ve got here, on their second Chandos album, is wonderful ... Debussy’s G-major Trio is the disc’s centerpiece and is played with a delicate touch ... they freely dig into [Roussel's] lyrical extremes, making vivid work of the stirring opening movement and delivering a haunting, introspective reading of the second ... there’s plenty of drama to be found in the Neave’s performance ... a fresh, enticingly-played release, highly recommended."
– The ArtsFuse
“The Neave Trio, playing superbly, offer three impressive piano trios by women.”
- The Times UK
“Three 19th century obscure Romantic gems by three lesser-known yet highly gifted female composers flawlessly and feelingly played by Anna Wiliams, violin, Mikhail Veselov, cello and Eri Nakamura, piano.”
- Rafael's Music Notes
“The Neave Trio combines a seamless technique, a measured tenderness, and perfect accord as an ensemble.”
- Classique HD
"It’s not necessary to slavishly imitate Piazzolla in order to do justice to his music, of course. The Neave Trio play José Bragato’s arrangement of the well-known Primavera porteña (the first of Piazzolla’s Four Seasons) significantly faster than Piazzolla himself, but how thrilling it is ... Verano porteño is similarly electrifying, and I like how in Otoño porteño the Neave seem to be trying to project a bigger, more symphonic sound. It’s stylistically appropriate too ..."
- Gramophone
"Neave Trio proves an ideal classical medium for Piazzolla's Las cuatros estaciones porteñas (The Buenos Aires Four Seasons): the music is neither softened by string groups or classical winds, nor simplified in its contrapuntal and harmonic complexity"
- AllMusic
"it should come as no surprise that the ensemble plays with character and panache. How well their approach translates to the passionate world of the Argentine tango, though, may come as a bit of a shock … as in, you might be astonished that they didn’t get their collective start in one of Astor Piazzolla’s quintets a thoroughly delightful, engaging album."
- The ArtsFuse
"Neave Trio Does Astor Piazzolla Proud: "the music-making of the Neave Piano Trio performing arrangements of works by Astor Piazzolla is top-notch ... the energetic edginess, the snap, the rhythm of their arrangement of Las cuatro estaciones porteñas sound convincing, totally invigorating, and, for lack of a better cliché, authentic ... Carla Jablonski’s vocals enrich the next six tracks"
- Classics Today
"Best Classical CDs of 2018: "Nearly every measure Piazzolla wrote has inviting atmospheres and sensual appeal ... Highly recommended recording, both for the compositions and the committed playing."
- Wicked Local
"Together the three musicians craft the feel of a much larger band. Violinist Anna Williams and cellist Mikhail Veselov take turns evoking the bandoneón through a combination of technique and imaginative force. Pianist Eri Nakamura summons orchestral depth, by turns dark and brilliant, from the keys ... New arrangements and superbly sensitive performances like these continue to nourish that thriving forest a quarter-century after his death."
- Blog Critics
"The Neave Trio is to be congratulated for their passionate fresh ideas of ensemble and instrumental performance. Their expertise in sound creation, playing and improvising create a new way to hear Piazzolla’s work."
- The Whole Note
"This was a remarkably well-done album. The excellent sound quality, the collaboration with musicians familiar with Astor Piazzolla, and the excellent technique by all musicians involved speaks well of this young ensemble."
- Audiophile Audition
“Passion, vibrancy and a riot of colours characterise the Neave Trio's disc for Chandos. French Moments … sees the ensemble bringing eloquent phrasing and deft control of textures to works by Fauré, Debussy and Roussel.”
– The Strad
"The performances balance passion with sensitivity and grace."
– BBC Music Magazine
"[Fauré's Piano Trio] is scrupulously played and emotionally reined in . . . Debussy is all sparking elegance and wit . . .the slow movement [of Roussel's Piano Trio], with its closely woven string counterpoint over insistent piano chords, has a dark intensity and is most beautifully done."
– Gramophone
"The Best New Recordings of 2018 (So Far) . . . The up-and-coming Neave Trio makes a compelling case for these lesser-known piano trios by Roussel, Debussy and Fauré, coloring them with exquisite phrasing and delicate touch."
– WQXR
“RECORDING OF THE MONTH . . . All three of these very gifted players have such manifest commitment to, and love of, the music they perform . . . This is a superb disc."
– Music Web International
"the players find what's important and stirring in the music . . . The Debussy Piano Trio No. 1 in G major . . . is given an entirely appropriate brisk, slightly brash performance . . . this album will satisfyingly fill many an empty space in collections of French music."
– AllMusic
“These are such talented musicians, and they've put together another fascinating CD program . . . This is powerful, moving music, played with great sentiment but also grace and finesse.”
– Music for Several Instruments
“The three piano trios offered by the Neave Trio . . . provide perfect vehicles to justify the etymology of the ensemble’s chosen title, since ‘Neave’ derives from the Gaelic designation for ‘bright’ and ‘radiant’. . . The Neave Trio has imbued this rare chamber work with a sonic luster elegant and refined."
– Audiophile Audition
"What they’ve got here, on their second Chandos album, is wonderful ... Debussy’s G-major Trio is the disc’s centerpiece and is played with a delicate touch ... they freely dig into [Roussel's] lyrical extremes, making vivid work of the stirring opening movement and delivering a haunting, introspective reading of the second ... there’s plenty of drama to be found in the Neave’s performance ... a fresh, enticingly-played release, highly recommended."
– The ArtsFuse
"An assured performance replete with snappy rhythms and tasteful dynamics . . . a very pleasing listen, and an enlightening introduction to some seldom-heard but very worthwhile music by composers born in, or who made a strong mark in, the United States."
– Blogcritics
"a delight . . . persuasive and well recorded"
– Music Web International
"The Neave Trio does a fine job with this music. The playing is precise and the trio is clearly committed . . . I enjoyed my time listening to this disk, and all of the music was refreshingly new"
– Audiophile Audition