Sixteen years ago, a friend gave me a private CD of a teenage English pianist. His name was Benjamin Grosvenor, and he played flashy works by Kapustin (the jazzy Russian composer). His technique was unbelievable; his playing overflowed with youthful exuberance and speed. Many such talented young musicians appear regularly, but there was something more, which became clear when I read an interview with him. 

Grosvenor is deeply influenced by the great pianists of the Golden Age – that is, those who recorded in the first half of the 20th century. Decca immediately signed the young pianist to a contract, and his first recordings made a big impact. I felt he was not yet mature as an artist; his recording of the Ravel Piano Concerto was lightweight and rushed, more dazzling than musically satisfying. He has now been concertising for well over a decade, and has reached the age of 30, so this new release is a good place to take stock of his progress. 

Schumann’s piano music requires a formidable technique to separate the various strains of the texture, to give a lilt to the...