Chopin: The Complete Waltzes

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 His unpublished Waltzes are generally less complex but display considerable wit and charm, qualities ideally suited to Hough’s pianism.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.

CDA67849  59 minutes 29 seconds
DIAPASON D'OR DE L'ANNÉE 2011
CLASSIC FM CD OF THE WEEK
THE SUNDAY TIMES CD OF THE WEEK
CLASSIC FM MAGAZINE BEST RECORDINGS OF 2011
‘Launching his latest album with the earliest of waltzes to which Chopin gave an opus number, Stephen Hough sets a sparkling tone for what follows on this altogether brilliant disc … Hough is a p ...
‘Hough's decision to record the eight published waltzes in chronological order allows us to gain a feel for Chopin's glorious development in this genre … essential listening’ (The Observer)
‘Chopin’s waltzes are salon pieces, but always more than salon pieces, and Hough brings an astonishing range of touch to them. All those sophisticated inner parts and harmonic shifts are brought out w ...