Search - Alan Rawsthorne, Stephen Reynolds, Stephen Hough :: Stephen Hough's English Piano Album

Gorgeous, unbelievably beautiful...

Kenneth J. Luurs | Oak Park, IL USA | 04/11/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Can I give more than 5 stars?This is an amazing recording, unbelievable artistry -- gorgeous music, played sensitively. These are not warhorse pieces that you will necessarily recognize. Yet, despite being off the beaten trail, the music draws you in. This is one of those rarest of recordings, something different -- and yet so desirable. Can I say something negative about this recording? Uh..no...it is English music -- which is to say not Bach, Beethoven, Brahms -- but it is sensuous music -- and by no means, dull. I purchase over 300 Classical CDs every year. I'd be surprised if this isn't my favorite recording of 2002. I used to work in a music store when I was in college. In a couple of instances I used to "guarantee" people that they would like a particular performance or their money back. This is that kind of recording, so good I can't imagine someone not being taken in by its charm."

Nothing more than I expect

Mireille Wastwater | England | 08/07/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I wonder if the previous reviewer felt the same about this CD a few seconds after his ecstatic, climactic review. Do not be misled by the title of 'English Piano Album' for it is not a survey of english piano music but rather, as Hough explains, english piano music that means something to him. So there is no Sterndale Bennett, no Pinto et al. There are two 'rough' works included here; Rawsthorne's Bagatelles and Leighton's Studies. These will not appeal to those with delicate ears used to listener-friendly music. The other works are less astringent - my particular favourite in this collection was York Bowen's (sometimes known as the English Rachmaninov) serious dance, delicately (and seriously!) performed by Stephen Hough. Although I would not recommend this to the general music lover, I am happy to say that those interested in piano playing and rare repertoire will not be disappointed with this disc. On a different note, I am disappointed to see that Simon Trpceski's debut album is not available on this site. It includes exceptional playing at a bargain price and I highly recommend its acquisition."

Who Said The English Can't Compose Music?

Walter Fekula | New York, NY USA | 10/23/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I had occasion to get a recording of Kenneth Leighton's "Six Studies (Study Variation) Op. 56. I had to purchase this CD as it contains the only available recording of the piece. I am very happy I did as it contains some fabulous music, which is beautifully played by Stephen Hough who contributes two short compositions of his own. The other composers, among them Alan Rawsthorne, Stephen Reynolds, Edward Elgar (how did he get in there), Stephen Reynolds, are easy to listen to. Hough has a lovely touch and the recording could not be better. The Leighton? It concludes the recording and will wake you up if you doze off while listening to the soothing, magical music, that precedes it."