Stephen Hough has a unique affinity for the music of Chopin, whose music has always been a central part of his repertoire. His earlier Chopin recordings for Hyperion garnered huge critical acclaim. Hough’s name has become synonymous with pianistic elegance, flawless technique and immense musicianship and he has become globally renowned for his engaging and refined Chopin interpretations.

In his published Waltzes, Chopin brought a new level of sophistication to this popular dance form. His unpublished Waltzes are generally less complex but display considerable wit and charm, qualities ideally suited to Hough’s pianism.

The disc is rounded off with the famous E flat major Nocturne, which gives a more lyrical expression to the metre of the waltz.

These illuminating and compelling performances are not to be missed.

Contents:
Published waltzes
- Waltz in E flat major Op.18
- Waltz in A flat major Op.34 No.1
- Waltz in A minor Op.34 No.2
- Waltz in F major Op.34 No.3
- Waltz in A flat major Op.42
- Waltz in D flat major ‘Minute’ Op.64 No.1
- Waltz in C sharp minor Op.64 No.2
- Waltz in A flat major Op.64 No.3

Unpublished waltzes
- Waltz in D flat major Op.70 No.3
- Waltz in B minor Op.69 No.2
- Waltz in E major KKIVA/12
- Waltz in A flat major KKIVA/13
- Waltz in E minor KKIVA/15
- Waltz in G flat major Op.70 No.1
- Waltz in A flat major Op.69 No.1
- Waltz in F minor Op.70 No.2
- Waltz in A minor KKIVB/11

Doubtful attributions
- Sostenuto in E flat major ‘Waltz’ KKIVB/10
- Waltz in E flat major KKIVA/14
- Waltz in F sharp minor ‘Valse melancolique’ KKIB/7

- Nocturne in E flat major Op.9 No.2