Stephen Hough's English Piano Album [Import]

Alan Rawsthorne (Composer), Stephen Reynolds (Composer), Stephen Hough (Composer), Edward Elgar (Composer), Granville Bantock (Composer), York Bowen (Composer), Frank Bridge (Composer), Kenneth Leighton (Composer), Stephen Hough (Performer) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Performer: Stephen Hough
• Composer: Alan Rawsthorne, Stephen Reynolds, Stephen Hough, Edward Elgar, Granville Bantock, et al.
• Audio CD (April 9, 2002)
• SPARS Code: DDD
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Import
• Label: Hyperion UK
• ASIN: B0000631BG
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #50,916 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

26 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Gorgeous, unbelievably beautiful..., April 10, 2002

By 

Kenneth J. Luurs (Oak Park, IL USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Stephen Hough's English Piano Album (Audio CD)

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.

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Nothing more than I expect, August 7, 2002

By 

Mireille Wastwater (England) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Stephen Hough's English Piano Album (Audio CD)

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.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Stunningly Beautiful, January 13, 2003

By 

Hoppy Doppelrocket (Atlanta, GA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Stephen Hough's English Piano Album (Audio CD)

This is beautiful music from off the beaten path, played skillfully and with feeling. As a bonus, included are Hough's typically terrific liner notes. And for once, Hyperion even managed to get the duration time posted on the back to actually match that of the cd. Well done!!!