This is something rather special. Given that Murray Perahia holds the office of Poet Laureate amongst the great pianists of our time, I was surprised when the news leaked of him performing the Hammerklavier Sonata in preparation for recording.

This most monumental of the sonatas is the ultimate challenge of technique and stamina while its emotional depth and abstraction require a probing intellect; my favourite recordings have been giant bear-hug performance by the likes of Arrau or Gilels. A sniffy review of Perahia’s London recital cast doubts over his affinity for the elusive masterpiece; those doubts were obliterated on hearing the finished product.

Rather than a gigantic granite monument this is a heroic struggle carved...