no other pianist makes Bach’s aria and 30 variations sound as completely at home on the piano – this is a recording that feels utterly natural, both when it comes to the music pouring from Murray Perahia’s fingers and the sound engineered by Sony.

No mannerisms, no distractions, no self-serving virtuosity - just the most lucid and moving recording yet of this work.

uniquely revealing, essentially thoughtful and intimate, often introvert, and with his involvement and dedication present in every bar. The piano recording, too, is wonderfully natural.