Stephen Hough

Voted one of Classic FM’s top 25 greatest pianists of all time, Stephen Hough returns to the Crucible Studio following his spectacular sell-out in 2017

“It’s hard not to be a little awestruck by the breadth of Stephen Hough’s passions, to say nothing of his talents. He is simply one of the most interesting musicians around.” Boston Globe

Stephen Hough’s beautifully crafted programme offers a personal consideration of the subject of death. But rather than being an evening of introspection, the starting point is Stephen’s observation that “in the word of the arts – painting, literature and music – death has always been a central subject resulting in the most exalted and inexhaustible expression”.

Different perspectives are provided by Bach, Busoni and Chopin, while in Liszt’s two 'Mephisto Waltzes' the Devil is confronted face to face. The 'Vida Breve' subtitle of Stephen’s own Fourth Sonata is intended “to evoke the melancholy of life’s short duration…as well as to prepare the listener for a sonata lasting only 10 minutes.”

Stephen’s spring 2017 Crucible Studio concert sold out in record time, so early booking is highly recommended.

Performers

Stephen Hough (Piano)

Programme

• BACH/BUSONI: Chaconne
• HOUGH: Sonata No.4 'Vida Breve'
• CHOPIN: Sonata No. 2 in B flat minor Op.35 'Funeral March'
• BUSONI: Sonatina No.6 'Carmen Fantasy'
• BUSONI: Berceuse Élégiaque
• LISZT: Funérailles
• LISZT: Mephisto Waltz (bagatelle without tonality)
• LISZT: Mephisto Waltz No.1