Nikolai Lugansky is an exemplar of the Russian Piano School; his impeccable pedigree includes study with the legendary Tatiana Nikolayeva and Sergei Dorensky, both able to trace a lineage back through Ginzberg, Goldenweiser and Siloti to Liszt. Despite a formidable career in the concert hall, his discography has been an uneven affair veering between major and boutique labels – I suspect the less compelling releases lacked a firm hand on the tiller; it takes an experienced producer to challenge and prod an artist for that elusive take to keep for posterity.

This latest offering of his meat and potatoes repertoire suggests he has found the right crew and hopefully Harmonia Mundi will keep him at...