CÉSAR FRANK : Piano Music (Stephen Hough) (1997) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Reviews

‘Wonderfully played … marvellous sound. This is a first-rate issue in every respect … only the most exalted comparisons will do for Stephen Hough's latest disc, and even they are struggling to compete. Hough has a dream-ticket combination of virtues—astonishing agility, a faultless ear for texture, fine-tuned stylistic sensibility and an exceptional understanding of harmonic and structural tensions. [His] recent Hyperion issues have given him a lot to live up to. This recital triumphantly does that’ (Gramophone)

‘It is hard to imagine better performances’ (BBC Music Magazine)

‘Must take pride of place among recordings of this repertoire. A most distinguished record in every way’ (The Penguin Guide to Compact Discs)

‘Hough at his magical best’ (Classic FM Magazine)

‘Superb performances … style, elegance, and a power that is awe-inspiring when unleashed. César Franck has never been better served’ (Classic CD)

‘A superb production!’ (Fanfare, USA)

‘Playing of exquisite poise, intrepid technical brilliance and extraordinary insight. A peach of an issue’ (Hi-Fi News)

«Un des pianistes les plus virtuoses au monde à ce jour, non seulement dans la vitesse et le prestesse, mais surtout dans l'imagination et la qualité sonore. Avec une telle maîtrise du clavier et des timbres, une telle lisibilité polyphonique, une telle intelligence du texte, Hough va à mon sens plus loin que bien d'autres pianistes, même les plus valeureux dans la compréhension profonde de cette musique» (Répertoire, France)  Hyperion