Stephen Hough's French Album

Stephen Hough's French Album

Alkan:
La chanson de la folle au bord de la mer, Op.31 no.8

J.S.Bach:
Toccata & Fugue in D minor, BWV565 - arr. Alfred Cortot & Stephen Hough
Keyboard Concerto No. 5 in F minor, BWV1056: arioso - arr. Alfred Cortot

Chabrier:
10 Pieces pittoresques: No. 2, Melancolie

Chaminade:
Automne, Op. 35 No. 2

Debussy:
Clair de Lune (from Suite Bergamasque)

Delibes:
Sylvia - Pizzicato - arr. Stephen Hough

Faure:
Nocturne No. 6 in D flat major, Op. 63
Improvisation in C sharp minor, Op. 84 No. 5
Impromptu No. 5 in F sharp minor Op. 102
Barcarolle No. 5 in F sharp minor Op. 66

Liszt:
Reminiscences de La juive - Fantaisie brillante S409a

Massenet:
Crepuscule - arr. Stephen Hough

Poulenc:
Melancolie
Nocturne No. 4 in C minor 'Bal fantome'
15 Improvisations, No. 8 in A minor

Ravel:
Alborada del gracioso (Miroirs No. 4)

Stephen Hough, piano

Recorded: 06/2009, 10/2010, 05/2011
Produced by Various producers
Engineered by Various engineers

Exquis! Stephen Hough presents an enchanting programme of French music, played with the filigree perfection and total command of the music’s expressive world that make him one of the most admired pianists of today. In typical Houghian style this recital is full of surprises and lesser-known gems from the repertoire, as well as works by the masters Faure, Ravel, Debussy and Poulenc. A particular delight is Hough’s own arrangement of the Massenet song Crepuscule, a ravishing exercise in creative yet faithful transcription. This release is both a tribute to the lyric genius which flowered in nineteenth- and twentieth-century France, and a glimpse into the musical mind of a great pianist. ( Hyperion )