Parker Ramsay's Harp Performance: A Blend of Tradition and Modernity

Parker Ramsay's recent concert at Merkin Hall showcased his dual expertise as a harpist and harpsichordist, presenting a program that juxtaposed historical and contemporary works. The concert, originally set to feature world premieres by composers Georg Friedrich Haas and Christopher Trapani, faced a setback when Trapani's piece, "Luci Bizantine," was omitted due to a snowstorm that hindered rehearsal time. Despite this, Ramsay's performance included a selection of 17th-century compositions, highlighting his ability to navigate both Baroque and modern music.

New York Times

The evening commenced with Ramsay at the harpsichord, performing pieces such as Jan Pieterszoon Sweelinck’s “Ricercar Nono Tono” and works by Riccardo Rognoni, Johann Schmelzer, Dietrich Buxtehude, and Michelangelo Rossi. Accompanied by violinist Miranda Cuckson and cellist Jay Campbell, Ramsay's interpretation of these pieces emphasized tonal and rhythmic innovation, despite the inherent limitations of the harpsichord. Cuckson and Campbell, known for their contemporary music expertise, brought a fresh perspective to the Baroque repertoire, revealing new dimensions in their performance.

New York Times

The centerpiece of the concert was Haas's "Annäherung," a piece characterized by the interplay between the harp and violin. Ramsay and Cuckson described the German title as signifying "convergence" or "proximity," reflecting the musical dialogue between their instruments. Throughout the performance, Cuckson moved around the venue, enhancing the dynamic interaction with Ramsay as they exchanged musical phrases, creating a sense of rhythmic and harmonic fluidity.

New York Times

Ramsay's concert was met with anticipation, particularly for the world premieres that were ultimately not realized. The decision to omit Trapani's work was communicated from the stage, indicating the challenges posed by the weather. Despite this, the concert successfully highlighted Ramsay's versatility and the collaborative spirit of the musicians involved.

New York Times

While the concert was well-received, the absence of Trapani's premiere left some attendees disappointed. Critics noted that the lack of rehearsal time impacted the overall program, which could have showcased a broader range of contemporary works alongside the historical pieces.

New York Times

• “Hearing the two of them play this music was a little like listening to people you thought you knew suddenly chatting away in a foreign language: It reveals a whole new side of their personalities.” — Music Critic

New York Times

• “Ramsay and Cuckson translate the German title as meaning something like “convergence” or “proximity,” and in this piece, their individual parts orbit each other before drawing near and playing in sync.” — Parker Ramsay

New York Times

Ramsay's performance at Merkin Hall exemplified a thoughtful blend of historical and modern music, despite the challenges faced. The evening underscored the importance of collaboration in music and the potential for traditional instruments to engage with contemporary compositions.

New York Times