New Zealand pianist Stephen De Pledge is one of the most exciting and versatile musicians of his generation. Stephen’s solo performances have taken him throughout the UK, including five solo recitals in the Wigmore Hall in London, where he made an accalimed debut in 1999. He has also given solo performances in Hong Kog, Italy, France, Singapore, Japan, Australia and the USA. Stephen’s repertoire is far-reachin, from the music of the 17th to the 21st centuries. He has always been an advocate for contemporary music giving the world premiere performances of many works. Stephen has recorded previously for Champs Hill on an album of chamber works by messiaen, studying with Mme Messiaen in Paris prior to the recordings of these works. In this new album, Stephen performs works including Mussorgsky’s epic Pictures at an Exhibition, Beethoven’s Piano Sonata No 8 in C minor ’pathetique’ ,Brahms 2 Rhapsodies Op 79 ’Formidable... left me wanting to hear more " - Sunday Times
Performance **** Recording ****
"... The Brahms Rhapsodies which round of this impressive CD are a delight: the first is equisitely nuanced, the second unleashes a mighty performance."
Michael Church - BBC Music magazine - Christmas 2012
"... a recital of stylistic assurance." ***
Geoffrey Norris - The Telegraph - 12 May 2012