I would not normally cross the road let alone go to a concert of music by Scriabin and Liszt but the appearance of Stephen Hough at the New Walk art gallery and museum in Leicester was not to be missed. Blog readers will know I have just come out of hospital where I immersed myself in Bach: The 48, the Partitas and the Goldberg variations all played by Angela Hewitt. The contrast could not have been greater.
Stephen Hough played, Beethoven (Moonlight), his own sonata for piano (Broken Branches), Scriabin sonatas no 5 and no 4 and Liszt's sonata in B minor. His manner of performance made me think of a spiritual master about to give a talk. He comes on, sits quietly as if centering himself then launches forth. For me, the highlight of the evening was his own Broken Branches sonata. The rest was wonderfully played, musical and muscular.
The evening ended with three encores. He came over as such a generous man and musician.
Speaking briefly to him after the concert I thought what a normal person also - without pretence or side to him.
Wonderful evening.
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