How do you make a worthwhile contribution to the enormous range of performances without sounding willful or perverse? Kolesnikov opts for a middle way, rather like Wilhelm Kempff two generations ago...While it would be unfair to say that the performance is inexpressive, it is one of the most straightforward I have heard...But Kolesnivov’s playing is consistently lovely, and I would defy anyone not to enjoy it.

This is surely one of the finest recordings of Bach’s Goldberg Variations in the last decade or so. Overall, Kolesnikov’s approach might be summed up in a word: balance. His deft touch and impeccable technique allow Kolesnikov to give Bach’s writing a shimmering laciness that is balanced by contrapuntal clarity.

He paces the Aria well and the following variations are full of Kolesnikov’s characteristic refinement and imaginative colour palette...The so-called ‘Black Pearl’ (Var 25) is always a telling point in the Goldbergs and Kolesnikov takes the dynamics right down, creating a real sense of intimacy and sustaining the musical argument unerringly. I found myself impressed rather than moved by the result.

Restraint is the key: the ‘Black Pearl’ variation is not milked for emotion, but takes its place as just one more delight in this riveting sequence.

Just when you think there are enough recordings of Bach’s Goldberg Variations, here comes one that makes the music sound fresh off the page...Kolesnikov’s Goldbergs are softly spoken, but they are also extraordinarily eloquent.