Composer: Frédéric François Chopin
Performer: Stephen Hough
Format: FLAC (tracks)
Label: Hyperion
Catalogue: CDA67849
Release: 2011
Size: 145 MB
Recovery: +3%
Scan: yes
01. Waltz No. 1 in E-Flat Major, Op. 18 “Grande valse brillante”
02. Waltz No. 2 in A-Flat Major, Op. 34 No. 1 “Valse brillante”
03. Waltz No. 3 in A Minor, Op. 34 No. 2
04. Waltz No. 4 in F Major, Op. 34 No. 3
05. Waltz No. 5 in A-Flat Major, Op. 42
06. Waltz No. 6 in D-Flat Major, Op. 64 No. 1 “Minute Waltz”
07. Waltz No. 7 in C-Sharp Minor, Op. 64 No. 2
08. Waltz No. 8 in A-Flat Major, Op. 64 No. 3
09. Waltz No. 13 in D-Flat Major, Op. 70 No. 3
10. Waltz No. 10 in B Minor, Op. 69 No. 2
11. Waltz No. 15 in E Major, KK IVa/12
12. Waltz No. 16 in A-Flat Major, KK IVa/13
13. Waltz No. 14 in E Minor, KK IVa/15
14. Waltz No. 11 in G-Flat Major, Op. 70 No. 1
15. Waltz No. 9 in A-Flat Major, Op. 69 No. 1 “Farewell”
16. Waltz No. 12 in F Minor, Op. 70 No. 2
17. Waltz No. 19 in A Minor, KK IVb/11
18. Waltz No. 18 in E-Flat Major. Sostenuto, KK IVb/10
19. Waltz No. 17 in E-Flat Major, KK IVa/14
20. Waltz in F-Sharp Minor “Valse mélancolique”, KK Ib/7 (Attrib. Doubtful)
21. Nocturne No. 2 in E-Flat Major, Op. 9 No. 2
Stephen Hough has a unique affinity for the music of Chopin, whose music has always been a central part of his repertoire. His earlier Chopin recordings for Hyperion garnered huge critical acclaim. Hough’s name has become synonymous with pianistic elegance, flawless technique and immense musicianship and he has become globally renowned for his engaging and refined Chopin interpretations.
In his published Waltzes Chopin brought a new level of sophistication to this popular dance form. His unpublished Waltzes are generally less complex but display considerable wit and charm, qualities ideally suited to Hough’s pianism.
The disc is rounded off with the famous E flat major Nocturne, which gives a more lyrical expression to the metre of the waltz.
These illuminating and compelling performances are not to be missed.