Liszt: Piano Concertos Nos. 1 & 2 – Grieg: Piano Concerto

Stephen Hough, renowned for his virtuosity and poetic refinement, delivers a captivating performance in this album featuring Franz Liszt's Piano Concertos No. 1 and No. 2, alongside Edvard Grieg's Piano Concerto in A Minor. Recorded in June 2011 at the Grieghallen in Bergen, Norway, with the Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra under the baton of Andrew Litton, this album showcases Hough's technical brilliance and deep musical insight.

The album opens with Liszt's Piano Concerto No. 1 in E-Flat Major, a work that demands both technical prowess and expressive depth. Hough's playing is magisterial, with a breathtaking virtuosity that is beautifully balanced by his poetic finesse. The second concerto, in A Major, follows, showcasing Hough's ability to navigate the complex and demanding score with apparent ease. The album concludes with Grieg's Piano Concerto in A Minor, a piece that is both lyrical and dramatic, and which Hough performs with a sensitivity and passion that brings the music to life.

With a total duration of 1 hour and 9 minutes, this album is a testament to Hough's artistry and the collaborative excellence of the Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra. The recording, produced by Andrew Keener and engineered by Simon Eadon, captures the rich and resonant sound of the Grieghallen, providing an immersive listening experience. Whether you are a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this album offers a rewarding and enriching experience.