Yuja Wang’s second recital disc for Deutsche Grammophon is an interesting program for Stravinsky, Brahms, Ravel and Scarlatti. In the Stravinsky, Brahms and Ravel she sees the importance of transformations: the puppet comes to life in Petrushka; and in Brahms’s Paganini Variations and Ravel’s La Valse, the musical themes and forms undergo considerable transformations. These three major pieces are linked together with two, single-movement Scarlatti sonatas. This is an innovative approach to programming and makes a refreshing change from single-composer and genre compilations.

Wang has a formidable technique, evident in Petrushka’s three movements. Not only does she dazzle with her ability to move from one note to the next, but the clarity of her playing is mesmerising. This is also true in Ravel’s La Valse, but here Wang’s musical ability is on show too, portraying that disturbing sense of decay.