Not only is Stephen Hough known worldwide for his prowess at the piano, but he also writes articles and commentaries about music, theology and culture. His Twitter bio says it all: “A concert pianist by night, his daytime interests include theology, art, hats, puddings... and writing about them.” He also composes music and is passionate about painting.
Hough will perform at the Chan Centre for the Performing Arts as part of the Vancouver Recital Society series on Sunday, Nov. 25. His program includes two Chopin nocturnes, a Brahms sonata, Schumann’s Carnaval and Hough’s own Piano Sonata No. 2. In this behind-the-scenes interview with Hough, the pianist reveals where he’d be without painting, writing, composing or his piano.
You are a true Renaissance man, performing, composing, writing and painting. What drives you to put energy into so many different areas of the arts?
I’m not sure what drives me. I suppose it’s just that, much as I love playing the piano, it’s not enough, it’s not a sufficient outlet for a certain artistic fire (steam?) inside. I’m not satisfied with preserving the fingerprints of others — I want to get my hands dirty, too!
This fall you had an exhibit of your paintings at the Broadbent Gallery in London, England. What was that like for you, to be on a different stage, so to speak?
It was quite terrifying in a way. My paintings had always been something intensely private — something I did when I had had enough struggling with a day of practising. It was relaxing in a stimulating kind of way, and deeply, intimately expressive. When Angus Broadbent asked if I would like to have a show at his gallery I was flattered but slightly concerned. Was I ready for my private world to be seen publicly?
At what point did you pick up a paintbrush?
About seven years ago, and I use a palette knife mainly. I like the edge of the metal scraping colour into life – the sound even of the blunt blade.
What do you enjoy about painting?
It just intoxicates me. As I squeeze some paint out of the tube my heart often begins to race a little. I love the mystery of layers, textures, what’s hidden, what’s implied, how colour clashes and blends. I also love the permanence of paint on a canvas, unlike music evaporating into the air.
What drives you to write (articles, blogs)?
I loved words more than music at school. I relish the challenge of poetry: using ordinary words to try to say extraordinary things.
Which is more difficult, performing or composing?
They’re both impossible! But seriously, they’re both a matter of technique. Anyone can learn to play an instrument at some level and anyone can learn to write music at some level. Whether those levels spiral into something greater is the indefinable question.
Listen to Stephen Hough perform his “Radetzky Waltz”:
If you weren’t any of these things — painter, writer, composer, pianist — what do you think you would be?
Inside a prison, perhaps?
Describe the program you will be presenting in Vancouver.
It has a loosely nocturnal theme — night as the unknown, the mystery, the romance, the madness. The Brahms sonata has a verse of Lenau at the head of its slow movement about lovers and the mood; carnivals come to life at night, and the other works are specifically of the night.
You were recently appointed as governor of the Royal Ballet Companies. What does this require of you?
I think two meetings a year, but the governors are there as a sort of advisory, protective final court of appeal. No direct decision-making, but an overall concern for the health and direction of the company.
What are you most proud of in your accomplishments to date?
I only see the flaws really … but some of my recordings, some compositions, perhaps.
Describe an ideal day.
A breakfast with sensational crispy (but moist) pastries and the best Indian tea — then a missing piano and a broken computer forcing me to a day of reading and daydreaming.
What are you looking forward to in 2013?
Everything in my diary.
Listen to Stephen Hough perform Chopin’s Waltz in A-flat major:
Related:
Stephen Hough's blog at the Telegraph
Exhibition of Stephen Hough's paintings opens in London
Top 5 pianists to follow on Twitter