Title: Hough Scores Big Time
Review: Stephen Hough, by no means less thann one of the top five (IMO) performing pianists today, delivers a phenomenal contribution to the Hyperion Romantic Piano Concerti Series here. The Scharwanka, alone, would 'sell' this CD. A big but not sprawling Romantic Concerto that should be played more often, it is in the league of the Brahms 2, Tchaikovsky 2, and Dohnányi 1. The Sauer is almost a 'filler', but so ideal, that disc is just perfect! I've heard Hough several times in Concert: Hummell A minor; Rachmaninoff D minor; and this very Scharwenka 4 -- all with the Philadelphia Orchestra. The Orchestra was its sensational self, and I wish we could 'return' to the days when pianists such as Hough could record with the very best: Philadelphia; Boston; Chicago; London SO; and Berlin, on a regular basis. Just listen to the better playing of the Dallas SO in Hough's Rachmaniinoff set, for a 'taste' of what could be even better! So, Five Stars + for this wonderful CD! John Turner
Is this product review negative?