Various Composers - On a Ground (Michala Petri; Marie Nishiyama)

Information

• Robert Carr - An Italian Ground
• Anonymous - Tollet's Ground
• Michel Farinel - Faronells Ground (Folia)
• Anonymous - Greensleeves to a ground
• Diego Ortiz - Recercada
• Alessandro Marcello - Adagio from oboe concerto
• Johann Sebastian Bach - Largo from Harpsichord Concerto
• Lars Hannibal - Dreams
• Lars Hannibal - Sunset Dance
• Lars Hannibal - Twilight on a ground
• Lars Hannibal - Waves - on a ground
• Erik Satie - Gymnopédie
• Christoph Willibald Gluck - Dance of the Blessed Spirits and Melody
• Johann Sebastian Bach - Prelude in C from The Well-Tempered Clavier (Harp solo)
• Johann Sebastian Bach - Ave Maria

Michala Petri, recorder

Marie Nishiyama, baroque harp

Date: 2025

Label: OUR Recordings

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On a Ground is a cross-century musical journey centered on the ground bass, uniting celebrated recorder player Michala Petri and Japanese baroque harpist Marie Nishiyama. Recorded in December 2019 at Chichibu Muse Park in Japan, just before the global lockdown, the album features works ranging from Renaissance Spain to contemporary Denmark. It includes pieces by Ortiz, Marcello, J.S. Bach, Erik Satie, and Lars Hannibal. The duo’s interpretations highlight the expressive depth of their historical instruments, offering a meditative, intimate experience. Blending iconic works like Greensleeves with modern compositions, the album celebrates timeless musical traditions with grace and artistry.

Michala Petri (b. 1958) is a world-renowned recorder virtuoso who began playing at age three and launched her international career at 17. She has performed over 5,000 concerts globally and has an extensive discography of more than 80 acclaimed recordings. Her repertoire spans from Baroque to contemporary and multimedia works, with over 150 pieces composed specifically for her. Petri has received numerous honors, including the Léonie Sonnings Music Prize and four ECHO Klassik Awards. She is an Honorary Professor at the Royal Danish Academy of Music and has held leadership roles with the Society of Recorder Players and UNICEF Denmark.

Marie Nishiyama (b. 1969) is a leading Japanese harpsichordist and historical harpist, acclaimed for her expertise in early music. She studied in Japan and at the Schola Cantorum Basiliensis, training with top specialists in harpsichord, historical harp, and ensemble performance. Winner of major early music prizes in Japan, she performs internationally as a soloist and with renowned ensembles such as Concerto Vocale and Ferrara Ensemble. A member of the ensemble Anthonello, Nishiyama has released numerous acclaimed solo albums on labels including Harmonia Mundi, BIS, and Enchiriadis, earning widespread praise for her interpretations of Renaissance, Baroque, and medieval repertoire.