Sure there were no lack of performers willing to wax poetic about the recent passing of David Bowie, but not many serious artists were willing to weigh in on Justin Bieber's impromptu performance of Beethoven's miniature Für Elise on the lobby piano of the Beverly Hills Hotel. Interestingly, famed classical paints Stephen Hough had no problem complimenting the Biebs playing as complimenting his vocal style. For those interested in hearing Hough play, the 55-year-old Brit returns for to the 92nd Street Y for chamber music with cellist Steven Isserlis March 15.
It came as little surprise when world famous pianist, Stephen Hough, wrote an article about how much David Bowie's music meant to him in an article for The Guardian:
"The orange hair, the sparkling costume, the boyish physique, the girlish smile - a bizarre imaginative companion for a Cheshire schoolboy.
"David Bowie filled my time as I wasted my time, staying home from school, my whole life a three-day week."
It was a little more shocking, however, when the respected British composer took the time to critique Justin Bieber's informal performance of Beethoven's miniature Für Elise in the lobby on the Beverly Hills Hotel (via ClassicFM):
"Well, there's not much Beethoven there, but there's a nice, loose sense of improvisation, a teasing of the phrase.
"It actually sings like he does - rather than sounding like someone playing the piano.
"It's only a tiny snippet, but I'd be interested in hearing more."
For his fans that would rather see Hough at the piano, Shuman Associates announces that Hough will be performing several concerts in the New York region in March:
"The prodigious range of British pianist Stephen Hough's talent will be on display March 15-23, 2016 when he appears in solo recital and chamber music performances in New York, and as soloist with the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra in Newark and New Brunswick, New Jersey."
For tickets to Stephen Hough's concert at the 92nd Street Y be sure to contact their official website or call at (212) 415- 5500.
