Esfahani's contributions are the extraordinary range and delicacy of his touch and his scrupulous attention to matching phrasing.

The first thing you notice about this remarkable recording is the unusual warmth and tonal vibrancy of the harpsichord...Esfahani obviously revels in its capabilities...His sophisticated virtuosity, stylistic aplomb and strong personal profile give fresh and meaningful voice to this well-travelled score.

It’s an enormously colourful, varied journey, and “journey” definitely seems like the right term to use. When the Aria da capo comes round to finish the set, there’s a sense somehow that Esfahani is returning home, tired but happy after a long and scenic walk...whatever your go-to recording of the Variations, I think this one can give it a run for its money.

You sense Esfahani mastering an intractable instrument for which Bach fashioned a masterpiece.

Everyone wants to record Bach’s Goldbergs, but not many show as much piercing insight as harpsichordist Mahan Esfahani...Esfahani shows amazing rhythmic freedom at times, sometimes teasing us with a long pause before a repeat starts...A hugely stimulating account of one of the peaks of western music.