Composer: Johannes Brahms
Performer: Stephen Hough
Format: FLAC (tracks)
Label: Hyperion
Catalogue: CDA67237
Release: 2001
Size: 176 MB
Recovery: +3%
Scan: yes
Piano Sonata No. 3 in F minor, Op. 5
01. I. Allegro maestoso
02. II. Andante espressivo
03. III. Scherzo: Allegro energico
04. IV. Intermezzo: Andante molto
05. V. Finale: Allegro moderato ma rubato
Ballades, Op. 10
06. No 1 in D minor. Andante
07. No 2 in D major. Andante
08. No 3 in B minor. Intermezzo
09. No 4 in B major. Andante con moto
Following his recent dazzling Liszt recital (CDA67085), Stephen Hough turns his attention to the finest works of the young Brahms. Brahms’s three piano sonatas are early works, culminating with the epic F minor Sonata. Spanning five movements, with dramatic and wildly virtuosic outer movements, and a hauntingly beautiful slow movement (described by Claudio Arrau as “the greatest love music after Tristan, and the most erotic”), this is one of the defining piano sonatas of the mid-nineteenth century. The Ballades Op 10 are essentially miniature tone poems. The first is famously “after the Scottish Ballad Edward”, based on a gruesome tale of patricide. Although there are no programmatic hints for the remaining three Ballades, their dramatic contrasts and intense poetry suggest some sort of narrative, even if Brahms did not disclose his inspiration. As well as being attuned to the autumnal introspection of late Brahms, Stephen Hough also has a special empathy with the passion and athleticism of Brahms’s early piano writing. This exciting disc confirms his reputation as one of the most distinguished pianists of his generation.