Víkingur Ólafsson has been described as revitalising classical music. His work certainly feels revelatory as he redefines the piano recital and tops the classical charts. Clive Paget talks with the Icelandic pianist – while he drives a hands-free car – about the gradual blossoming of his career, including the phone call from Vladimir Ashkenazy that changed his life.

Víkingur Ólafsson
Víkingur Ólafsson. Photo © Ari Magg

Five minutes into my enthralling interview with Víkingur Ólafsson I find myself fighting the uneasy feeling that it might be his last. In the case of the uniquely talented Icelandic pianist, any conversation is likely to throw up a surprise or two, but it’s fair to say that this is my first video interview with a subject who is driving a hands-free car.

Not that Ólafsson isn’t punctual, he’s...