Chopin: Late Masterpieces

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? :-)

Amazing performance.

I am simply stunned by the combination of freshness and inevitability of Hough's interpretations of these wonderful late Chopin pieces. He is so exquisitely expressive in his playing. One is brought so near to the heart of this music that one can momentarily forget that the piano is the medium of this performance. My highest recommendation.

Wonderful interpretations of some of Chopin's greatest works. sound quality is excellent and the placement of the piano in the hall is just right. Sometimes the piano sounds like it's at the bottom of an empty swimming pool and other times it sounds like your head is two inches from the strings, but this recording is just right.

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.

As Chopin goes, his Late Masterpieces will prove prove challenging for some. (Think, Beethoven's Late Quartets.)As Stephen Hough goes, he is his usual brilliant, artistic self. I'd say he's like a well-oiled machine, except that wouldn't do justice to his very human rendering of even demanding or hum-drum works.So buy this album for Hough: the Chopin will grow on you.

I love Chopin's music, and I get my fix whenever I play this CD. I would recommend this CD to any collector of Chopin music.

I was disappointed with the copy I received. It has a hiss, like the sound of magnetic tape. The first copy I listened to was from my public library and was perfect. But I waited so long to listen to my Amazon copy it seemed too late to return it.

As ever with Stephen Hough, tasteful playing, excellent compilation.Would recommend to anyone who likes a varied set of music.

La musique de Chopin se prête particulièrement bien à cette sorte de "Journal intime" par lequel un pianiste se fait un choix parmi ses oeuvres, Alexandre Tharaud l'avait déjà fait il y a peu dans un excellent CD.Stephen Hough est moins connu parmi le public francophone. C'est pourtant un pianiste doté d'une grande sensibilité et d'un raffinement qui conviennent particulièrement à ces oeuvres. Le fait d'avoir choisi les derniers opus de l'oeuvre confère une belle unité à ce disque, accentue une mélancolie que l'approche de la mort du compositeur marque de son sceau. C'est très beau!