Sir Stephen Hough

Both a world-renowned musician and a longtime newspaper columnist, he has received numerous awards for professional expertise. He is Sir Stephen Hough, whom The Economist named "Erudite Wit of Today's World". On October 17, at the invitation of the 2023 Shenzhen Belt & Road International Music Festival, Sir Stephen Hough brought his carefully selected works to Mountain View Theater, Sea World Culture and Arts Center, Shekou, Shenzhen, China, where he presented a musical feast and led everyone into the mysterious kingdom of music.

On that day, the recital opened with a familiar melody, Chopin's Nocturne in E-flat Major. Themed with a tribute to the great masters of history who were both outstanding pianists and composers, the seven works performed included such classics as Chopin's Nocturne in E-flat Major, Scriabin's Piano Sonata in F-sharp Major, Debussy's Estampes, and Liszt's Three Petrarch Sonnets and Après une lecture du Dante. Also featured was Partita, his own original piano work. The selected works best highlighted Sir Stephen's knack for shaping rich tonal shifts, at times full of longings and hopes, and at other times mired in deep contemplations. The first half of the performance brought a mysterious atmosphere that opened up a world of magic to the audience. The second half depicted an unforgettable experience with a number of dreamlike scenarios, taking the audience "into" the world of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. "I've always believed that I'm in the service of music. If I walked on stage, it would ruin the magic of the concert." Sir Stephen Hough said.

Attentive audience noticed that, no matter how difficult the works were, Sir Stephen Hough was always seated, and the piano sound, like his image, was precise and delicate, full of fleeting touches that would be recalled again and again. The dreamlike melody spoken of undying love, but the explosive twists and turns of tonality kept the audience on pins and needles. The entire concert hall was infused with abundant emotion accompanying the piano keys, without any showmanship. As the last note ended, thunderous applause broke out. Lots of the audience even stood up to applaud, unwilling to go out for a long time. In appreciation of the audience's hospitality, Sir Stephen performed two additional pieces, Debussy's La fille aux cheveux de lin and Chopin's Nocturne in D-flat Major.

Not only a performer and composer, Sir Stephen has multiple identities as a writer and painter. He has recorded nearly 70 albums, published four books, and composed over 50 musical works. In 2001, Sir Stephen became the first classical musician ever to receive the MacArthur Fellows Program. He was a columnist for The Telegraph (UK) for seven years, writing about music, philosophy, food, perfume, and the like that have influenced countless readers.

Such an all-around musician kicked off his China tour this October. The tour will include several piano concerto concerts and piano recitals in Beijing, Shanghai, and Shenzhen.

"I don't like to go to concerts where every piece is familiar to me. I like to be surprised. If I go to a dinner party, I'll try dishes I haven't had before, or ice cream with special flavors, etc. It's the same thing as when I ask for freshness in the music." The audience who enjoyed the recital on the evening of October 17 felt this freshness. Sir Stephen Hough usually plans his recitals to include works that are a little unfamiliar to the audience. He favors profound music, but there is often a hint of playfulness in his musical arrangements, reflecting his contemplative but quirky nature in music. Moreover, he always walks these compositions into a fascinating musical journey.

（Photos by Xia Xiaofan）