Customer Reviews

Chopin: Late Masterpieces

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

Hough proves once again why he is in my short list of favorite pianists. He does not merely interpret, he brings us to a new place with the music. The pieces chosen for this disk are fine examples of a mature composer at his peak. They are played here with probing insight and wisdom: an ideal match. I do not normally like the word "lovely" because it feels weak and imprecise, but there are a few instances when it is the perfect word choice and this is one: the disk is lovely. Really. One bit of weirdness: there is an entry by Hough in the liner notes where he discusses bowler hats and Rothko. I imagine this was the editor's whimsical idea: Go ahead and let rip with something very tangential; let's see if anyone at all still reads liner notes, shall we? :-)

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.

A disappointment for me as I am a huge Stephen Hough fan. There is no question that he has a virtually infallible technique, which is shown admirably in these pieces, and so, too, is the programme admirably well chosen. Where these performances are a let down is in the interpretation, which, to the discerning listener who makes comparison with the Chopin 'greats', such as Rubinstein and Ashkenazy, easily show the forced mannerisms of the pianist which take away from the music. Rubatos, here, are exaggerated and unnatural, dynamics are overdone, which does a disservice to this marvellous music. Hough is clearly a Romantic and feels the music deeply ; it is just that he is not the ideal Chopin interpreter. Having said that, very few pianists can play this music so well, technically. I recommend you look elsewhere for the ideal interpreters.

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.