Beethoven’s “Hammerklavier” Sonata is a formidable challenge for any pianist. Making his Deutsche Grammophon debut, “stunningly gifted” (Gramophone) Nobuyuki Tsujii – no stranger to challenges – has chosen this technically and intellectually demanding work, which brought him victory in the prestigious Van Cliburn Competition. Nobu, as he is lovingly known, feels a personal affinity for Beethoven and here also savours the composer’s intimate, lyrical side in Liszt’s affectionate transcription of the song cycle An die ferne Geliebte.