Liszt: Mephisto Waltz No. 1; Tarantella; Rhapsodie espagnole; Pensée des morts; St François d'Assise: la prédication aux oiseaux; Bénédiction de Dieu dans la solitude

Performing with unashamed virtuosity, sentiment, bravado, spiritual introversion and flashiness, Stephen Hough plays Liszt as if he had thought of every note himself. Technical effects are displayed with affection, grace and apparent ease and the Mephisto Waltz is truly demoniac; yet the peace, clarity and thoughtfulness of St François and the Bénédiction prove that there is far more to Liszt, and Hough, than showmanship. Stupendous, and excellent value. Jessica Duchen

Our rating

5

Published: January 20, 2012 at 2:33 pm

COMPOSERS: Liszt
LABELS: Virgin Ultraviolet
WORKS: Mephisto Waltz No. 1; Tarantella; Rhapsodie espagnole; Pensée des morts; St François d’Assise: la prédication aux oiseaux; Bénédiction de Dieu dans la solitude
PERFORMER: Stephen Hough (piano)
CATALOGUE NO: CUV 5 61129 2 DDD (1988)

Performing with unashamed virtuosity, sentiment, bravado, spiritual introversion and flashiness, Stephen Hough plays Liszt as if he had thought of every note himself. Technical effects are displayed with affection, grace and apparent ease and the Mephisto Waltz is truly demoniac; yet the peace, clarity and thoughtfulness of St François and the Bénédiction prove that there is far more to Liszt, and Hough, than showmanship. Stupendous, and excellent value. Jessica Duchen

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