Stephen Hough

'My Favourite Things'

All of the pieces on this disc were written by pianist-composers rather than composer-pianists, the majority prominent at the turn of the century. And they are somehow part and parcel of a 19th century tradition, a love of encores, of the teasing and delectable. They could also be considered an overspill from several great pianists' careers, lavishly extending both style and technique. They are written for those who, as Horowitz would have said, can differentiate between technique and mechanics, who can extend mere facility to magic effect, moulding and varying their sonority to make it glow and sparkle like the finest jewellery. Here then is living proof that "serious" music is not always so serious, that style, freshness and vitality need not be confused with levity or frivolity.