Classical pianist and composer Stephen Hough is set to release his brand new album with the Andris Nelsons led City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Schumann and Dvořák Piano Concertos, on Hyperion Records April 8. Consisting of a rarely heard work by Antonín Dvořák alongside one of Robert Schumann's well-known piano concertos -- the juxtaposition exemplifies the characteristic idiom of both composers while revealing a new perspective on the pianistic writing of each, as well as the solo piano concerto form overall.
According to a press release publicizing Hough's new album, the sales of Piano Concertos will hopefully be helped along by the Brit's accompanying U.S. tour:
"This recording release coincides with U.S. performances by Mr. Hough in both works: Dvořák's Piano Concerto in G minor, Op. 33 with the Cleveland Orchestra led by Alan Gilbert on March 3, 5 and 6 in Cleveland, and Schumann's Piano Concerto in A minor, Op. 54 with the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra led by Christian Arming on March 17, 19 and 20 at NJPAC in Newark and the State Theatre in New Brunswick."
A clear fan of Stephen Hough's current work, the Sydney Morning Herald reviewed his recent performance of the Dvořák concerto with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra in the most glowing of terms:
"Dvorak is a popular composer and the piano concerto a popular genre, yet Dvorak's Piano Concerto has always been a wallflower, passed over as high on difficulty and low on charm and brilliance.
"In Stephen Hough it may have found its ideal champion.
"He brought disciplined tempos that clarified and strengthened the sense of form, architectural balance and gravitas...the brilliant precision of his playing brought vividness and excitement to passages in the outer movements that otherwise can come across as somewhat formulaic note-spinning."
Although Hyperion Records is not scheduled to release the album until Friday, April 8. Stephen Hough's Piano Concerts is available for pre-order through Amazon and iTunes today.
STEPHEN HOUGH, PIANO
Hyperion CDA68099
City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra
Andris Nelsons, conductor
Antonín Dvořák (1841-1904)
Piano Concerto in G minor, Op. 33 [40'49]
1. Allegro agitato [20'13]
2. Andante sostenuto [ 8'49]
3. Allegro con fuoco [11'47]
Robert Schumann (1810-1856)
Piano Concerto in A minor, Op. 54 [32'21]
4. Allegro affetuoso [15'42]
5. Intermezzo: Andantino grazioso [ 5'27]
6. Allegro vivace [11'12]
