LOVELY RECORDING OF SOME BEAUTIFUL CHOPIN
GEORGE RANNIE | DENVER, COLORADO United States | 05/11/2010
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This lovely full recording (75 minutes) consists of works composed by Chopin between 1843 and 1847 and are considered to be from Chopin's "mature" period. I guess, they are called "mature" because although Chopin was in his 30's he'd be dead (from ill-health) very soon. To me, the reason Chopin's compositional genius that is reflected in the compositions on this disc are considered "mature" is not from some premonition of Chopin of his impending doom but a "bring together" of his previous compositional skills to their greater glory--just my humble opinion. Anyway, this disc contains some gorgeous piano works by Chopin that are played most beautifully by Stephen Hough who also must be approaching his "mature" period (he's, after all, nearly 50 years of age).
Contained in the disc are the "Barcarolle" in F sharp minor; 3 Mazurkas in minor keys opus 63 and 67 and 68 (I adore them. They are very sad "little dances" that are played most beautifully by Hough); 2 Nocturnes, Opus 62; the "Polonaise-Fantasy" in A flat major that I have acquired more appreciation for mainly because of Stephen's brilliant playing; "Piano sonata #3 in B minor--my admiration of this work has increased too mainly thanks to Mr. Hough's outstanding playing of it on this recording--so full of technical virtuosity while playing with the most beautiful tone imaginable. All that I can say is BRAVO; and also contained therein is the Berceuse in D flat major.
As I stated above, Stephen must be in or fast approaching his so-called "mature" period. Not because of his age but, to me, because of the beauty of his playing as sublimely reflected in this disc.
Do read the notes to the disc there is a wonderful story written by Stephen about a "Bowler" hat and its "tie-in" with Chopin.
"
Tip-top performance let down by recording quality
A reader | San Francisco, CA USA | 06/11/2010
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Stephen Hough's taste and technique certainly aren't subject to meaningful criticism from the likes of me: this is a well-chosen program that bespeaks his intelligence and musicianship. The Polonaise-Fantasy in particular is full-bloodedly impressive, while the performances of the Berceuse and Barcarolle are endearing. I am still coming to grips with his interpretation of the Sonata--several auditions have left me preferring the new recording by Alberto Reyes on VAI. But, most unfairly as far as Mr. Hough is concerned, Mr. Reyes (as well as many others) has a distinct advantage: a decent recording. I don't know what happened but this one from Hyperion sounds to me as though someone threw a blanket over the piano, it's that murky. I had hoped that this would be a high point in the Chopin bicentennial but the recording quality is enough to preclude that."
Suggested reading
Patricia D. Mcdonald | Darlington MD | 08/03/2010
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I am only now ordering this item and cannot yet comment firsthand. But I found the 9 August New Yorker review of Hough's interpretation quite interesting, and those considering purchasing this CD might wish to check it out."
Track Listings (13) - Disc #1