Beethoven’s Diabelli Variations stand alongside Bach’s Goldberg Variations as the pinnacle of the variation form. Beethoven was at first dismayed by the quality of the theme and scathing of such collaborative models of work. Yet, working intermittently on the set for six years, Beethoven was able to transform the mundane theme into one of the most sublime pieces of piano music ever written.

Among the most celebrated living interpreters of the music of the Classical period, Misuko Uchida captures on disc her interpretation of one of the greatest works in the piano repertoire. Released 6 years after her last album for Decca Classics, this recording is a long-awaited, much-anticipated cornerstone of her discography.