Stephen Hough's 2007 album "Tsontakis: Man of Sorrows – Berg: Piano Sonata – Webern: Variations" is a captivating exploration of classical piano repertoire, showcasing Hough's virtuosity and interpretive depth. The album opens with the world premiere recording of George Tsontakis's "Man of Sorrows," a five-movement work that demonstrates Tsontakis's expressive musical language, influenced by Beethoven and Messiaen. Hough's performance is both powerful and nuanced, bringing out the complexity and depth of this significant contemporary work.
The album also features Alban Berg's Piano Sonata, Op. 1, a brief but intense work that surmounts turmoil and crisis in just over ten minutes. Hough's interpretation is marked by its clarity and precision, making the most of the sonata's dramatic contrasts. The final piece on the album is Anton Webern's Variations for Piano, Op. 27, a set of three variations that showcase Webern's economical yet expressive style. Hough's performance is marked by its sensitivity and attention to detail, bringing out the subtle nuances of Webern's music.
In addition to these major works, the album also includes six short piano pieces by Arnold Schoenberg, Op. 19, and a sarabande by an unidentified composer. These pieces provide a welcome contrast to the larger works on the album, showcasing Hough's versatility as a pianist. The album's duration is just over an hour, making it a satisfying listen from start to finish. Whether you're a fan of classical piano music or simply looking to explore new repertoire, this album is sure to impress.
Vinylscout