Forget the competition – if you want all the Saint-Saëns
Piano Concertos, plus the bonus of some valuable and entertaining
fillers, this is quite simply the one to have. All the criticisms I
have had of recent issues (on Brilliant Classics and Sony Essential)
are silenced here. The set has been greeted with virtually unanimous
praise from a wide variety of sources, and one can dip in anywhere on
the two very well filled discs to see why.
The first thing that strikes the listener is the superb
quality of recorded sound. The beautifully regulated Steinway sounds
sumptuously full, with thundering bass and crystal clear treble. It
is set in a realistic concert hall balance with the orchestra, which
also sounds marvellously rich and detailed. This would count for very
little, of course, if the artistic results were not good. Luckily for
everyone concerned, the playing is of an order that will make this set
the standard reference for years to come. Full marks to these artists
for treating these works with the respect they deserve. Attention to
the smallest details, coupled with the sort of devil-may-care bravura
needed for the pieces to work, make this set mandatory listening. Singling
out individual moments is difficult, but the slow movement of Concerto
No.1 is a perfect example of sensitive phrasing, with the CBSO strings
exemplary, and Oramo shaping the Bachian line with great care. Hough’s
piano interpolations in this movement differ from others I have heard,
and he suddenly seems to be the one who makes complete sense of the
composer’s marking of rapido e delicato. The barnstorming finale
is done with marvellous panache from all concerned. We have come to
expect pianism of an exceptional order from Hough these days, but even
by his standards there is phenomenal virtuosity on display here. I particularly
warmed to Concerto No.3, virtually forgotten these days, but
on this evidence fully worthy of revival. Indeed, all the works are
accorded the same dedication and superb musicianship, including the
delightful fillers.
The packaging is of Hyperion’s usual high standard,
with a thorough and very readable booklet essay by Philip Borg-Wheeler.
This set, and indeed the whole Romantic Concerto series, is a credit
to this brave and enterprising label. Go on, treat yourself - you won’t
regret it.
Tony Haywood
Hyperion
Romantic Piano Concerto Series
Stephen Hough (piano)