Recital at the Bridgewater Hall 12.5.26 by Sir Stephen Hough.
There can be no doubt that last night’s wonderful recital will be remembered as one of the most memorable classical music events here in Manchester in recent years.
The great,internationally acclaimed pianist and polymath(writer,poet &painter!) Sir Stephen Hough, treated those fortunate enough to have been in the audience,to a veritable feast from the piano repertoire.
His eclectic choice of pieces was in his usual characteristically unique approach to programming and performing,both a sheer joy and inspiration to behold and listen in the superb surroundings of one of the country’s finest concert halls,which boasts excellent acoustics.
Sir Stephen began his recital with a particularly thoughtful and moving rendition of Schubert’s Klavierstuck D.946 no.2.
This is a late composition and very much in common with many works by the composer,has a pervading sense of restlessness and melancholy contrasting with lighter,sunnier movements; all of which Sir Stephen captured beautifully in his masterly playing.
The Schubert was followed by another late work, this time the Klavierstucke op.118 no.6 by Johannes Brahms.
Sir Stephen performed this with dramatic effect, whilst tastefully contrasting the more gentle moments with consummate professionalism and sensitivity.
To ensure that the audience ( very well behaved throughout and minimum coughing!!) weren’t lulled into any false sense of tonal and melodious comfort; Sir Stephen continued with something completely different!.
This was a performance of 2 compositions from the 20th century, the first being the 6 Kleine Klavierstucke by Schoenberg,one of the pioneers of atonal/serial music ( ie hard on the ear!).
The second entitled Klavierstuck 111 by Stockhausen pioneer of electronic music within the wider classical genre,so the piano sounded very percussive!!
Prior to the interval ,Sir Stephen returned triumphantly to the Romantic period with an outstanding rendition of Beethoven’s piano sonata no.21 the Waldstein,with an absolutely amazing and heroic last movement which makes great demands on the pianist; nevertheless expertly played by our soloist.
Following the interval,Sir Stephen continued his recital with Robert Schumann’s Carnaval which again he succeeded in performing with a wonderful mix of gentilty and bravura,when required ( the composer would have been truly proud!)
Finally to round off a truly magical evening, Sir Stephen performed his very own arrangement of themes from Mary Poppins by the Sherman brothers.
They too would definitely not have been disappointed with this absolutely dazzling display of virtuosity by Sir Stephen,besides it was quite obvious that the performer was really enjoying himself with some tongue in cheek references to the Beethoven sonata, Flight of the Bumble Bee and Ride of the Valkerie!
Just when we all thought the concert had sadly come to an end, Sir Stephen generously gave us a peaceful and soothing encore with a Chopin Nocturne.
Thank you so much, Sir Stephen for truly honouring us with your inspirational artistry and dedication to live classical music in these challenging times.
Simon Caplin for Canal St Media