Liszt: Sonata, Ballades and Polonaises [Import]

Franz Liszt (Composer), Stephen Hough (Performer), Stephen Hough (Artist) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Performer: Stephen Hough
• Composer: Franz Liszt
• Audio CD (December 12, 2000)
• SPARS Code: DDD
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Import
• Label: Hyperion UK
• ASIN: B000050X9P
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #11,063 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #5 in Music > Classical > Ballets & Dances > Polonaises
  • #11 in Music > Classical > Forms & Genres > Ballads
  • #42 in Music > Classical > Chamber Music > By Period > Romantic (c.1820-1910)

Track Listings

1. Two Polonaises, S223: No.1 Polonaise Melancolique in c

2. Two Polonaises, S223: No.2 Polonaise in E

3. Ballade No.1 in D flat, S170 ('Le Chant Du Croise')

4. Ballade No.2 in b

5. Berceuse, S174 (First Version)

6. Pno Son in b, S178: Lento Assai - Allegro Energico - Grandioso - Recitativo

7. Pno Son in b, S178: Andante Sostenuto - Quasi Adagio

8. Pno Son in b, S178: Allegro Energico

9. Pno Son in b, S178: (Allegro Energico) - Piu Mosso - Stretta, Quasi Presto - Presto - Prestissimo

10. Pno Son in b, S178: Andante Sostenuto - Allegro Moderato - Lento Assai

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Among the best recordings of the Sonata, January 15, 2001

By 

Brooks Hafey (Columbia, MO USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Liszt: Sonata, Ballades and Polonaises (Audio CD)

I have always enjoyed the recordings of Stephen Hough and was very excited about this new release. I must admit that on the first listen, I skipped the Polonaises and Ballades and went straight for the Sonata. My first impression of the Sonata was not favorable; it seemed slow and too careful. However, repeated listenings have made me think that this is among the best recordings of the Sonata. Hough pedals through the descending line of the opening, creating a wonderfully ominous atmosphere. The passage at 7:12 on track 6 is most often played with a wild accelerando (which Liszt did not write). Hough avoids this tradition and plays it as written (a practice for which he is well-known). The result is amazingly beautiful. I too enjoy the drive of Horowitz and Argerich, they are phenomena in a class of their own. However, this new recording is much more satisfying emotionally. The Polonaise in C Minor sounds very much like Chopin, and Hough plays it very convincingly. The other gem on the recording is the 2nd Ballade. Never have I heard it played more lovingly, with greater attention to detail. A highly recommended disk.

11 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Hough Plays Liszt = buy without further ado?, December 15, 2000

By 

Mireille Wastwater (England) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Liszt: Sonata, Ballades and Polonaises (Audio CD)

If you're expecting an attempt at the Liszt Sonata Speed Record, held jointly by Horowitz and Argerich, then you'll be disappointed. There are many recordings in the 30~34 mins. range. Demidenko, Pollini, Pletnev (X2), Pizarro and Zimerman fall into this category (and I expect most others out there do as well) as does this one. In my review of Zimerman's recording I said that in my opinion, his was the best overall account. But I also mentioned that Stephen Hough was about to release his account, which 'may well replace Zimerman's version as the King of all Liszt Sonatas.' And so.. Does it? Right from the first few bars you can tell that Hough has thought out this music as carefully as he looked under each stone in the Schubert Sonatas. He seems to pay particualr attention to the voicings of the left hand - 7 minutes into the piece, I chuckled out loud at the way he matter-of-factly brought out the left hand notes. He plays the piece as though it were a story, and he reads it very well. I don't think this knocks Zimerman off the top spot, but it joins him there. I wonder when Kissin or Volodos are going have a go. The rest of the CD offers some interesting moments, but you can tell why they're not as famous as his more er... famous works. They have their nice tunes but are surrounded by material which doesn't quite lift it to the heights necessary to achieve more popularity. All in all, a disc worthy of a place alongside, or above, his previous Liszt recordings.

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Way Lizst Should Be Played, May 2, 2004

By 

D. A Wend (Arlington Heights, IL USA) - See all my reviews
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Liszt: Sonata, Ballades and Polonaises (Audio CD)

With the exception of the Sonata, I was unfamiliar with the works on this CD but the pieces are striking in their selection so my interest was peaked. Another recommendation for this CD is Stephen Hough. Anyone who has encountered his playing knows the meticulous and restrained approach he has when performing. Anyone purchasing this CD will be amply rewarded.

The Polonaises were written following the death of Chopin but there is not much in common with the Polish composer in Liszt's two examples. The first Polonaise carries the title "melancolique" and is an introspective work while the second such work is more a dance, containing the brilliant keyboard techniques one associates with Liszt. The Berceuse is an interesting work (played here in the first version) since it is very closely modeled on Chopin's own work down to the key of D flat. The piece unfolds in a contemplative and quiet mood, containing none of the embellishments later added by Liszt. The two Ballades are also reminiscent of Chopin and were composed by Liszt before his friend's death. The neglected First Ballade is based on a Crusader song and the Second, and much longer, piece is a narrative drama with the scale and octave passages usually associated with Liszt.

Stephen Hough plays the Sonata with great restraint and balance. He does not play with the bombast of many pianists but is finely shaded and well balanced. The clarity and respect for the score that Mr. Hough seeks in his performance may not register well with everyone but this performance is a refreshing contrast to more passionate accounts. The booklet is very informative, as is usually the case with Hyperion recordings.