YUNCHAN LIM MAKES HISTORY AS FIRST ARTIST TO TOP THE NEW OFFICIAL CLASSICAL CHART IN THE UK
With Goldberg Variations – Live at Carnegie Hall on Decca Classics
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Yunchan Lim has reached No. 1 on the Official Classical Chart with his Decca Classics recording of Bach’s Goldberg Variations – Live from Carnegie Hall, becoming the first artist to top the UK’s newly launched discovery-focused classical ranking. The achievement also marks Lim’s first No. 1 album in the UK.
Lim’s chart-topping debut exemplifies the chart’s mission to platform today’s most compelling classical recordings and connect audiences with the modern faces and sounds shaping classical music.
President of Decca, Laura Monks, says of the achievement: “Yunchan Lim is a once in a lifetime talent and this recording is a piece of modern day history. His ability to interpret musical works with an entirely unique perspective puts him alongside the greats. We are hugely honoured to work with him and so proud to see the album get recognition at the top of the new classical chart.”
Sir Clive Gillinson, Executive & Artistic Director of Carnegie Hall, where the album was recorded, says: “We are thrilled to see this recognition of Yunchan Lim’s work—a testament not only to his artistry, but to the remarkable connection he forges between composer and listener. His recording of the Goldberg Variations captures a singular young artist at the beginning of what promises to be an extraordinary lifelong journey with Bach, reflecting his humility, insight, and musical imagination. We’re honoured to have him join the Carnegie Hall family, and we look forward to sharing his extraordinary music making through the coming decades.”
Controller of BBC Radio 3 & BBC Proms, Sam Jackson, adds: “I first met Yunchan Lim shortly before he signed to Decca, at a time when every classical label seemingly wanted to work with this remarkable young pianist. I am thrilled to see Yunchan’s latest release with Decca debut at Number 1 in the very first Official Classical Chart and we look forward to reflecting this on BBC Radio 3: a station that is proud to showcase the vibrant, modern and thriving classical record industry.”
Compiled by the Official Charts Company, the Official Classical Chart is dedicated to showcasing the freshest classical album releases making an impact across the UK. Focused exclusively on albums released within the past 12 months, the weekly ranking reflects combined UK sales and streaming, offering a definitive snapshot of the breadth, vitality, and continued evolution of the genre.
A Landmark Carnegie Hall Recording
Released by Decca Classics, Goldberg Variations – Live at Carnegie Hall captures Lim’s deeply personal vision of Bach’s masterpiece. Recorded during his sold-out Carnegie Hall performance, the performance has attracted critical acclaim for its precision, tonal luminosity, and emotional range.
Lim describes the Goldberg Variations as a musical journey through the cycle of life, from the serenity of the opening Aria through thirty contrasting variations and back to a final homecoming.
Praise for the album
The Times ★★★★
“Humility and warmth marks Lim’s treatment of the opening theme, with the 30 variations offering well over 30 different varieties of colour, texture, emotional shading and rhythmic vitality.”
The Guardian ★★★★
“Those who enjoyed his interpretation at Wigmore Hall will find plenty of the same rewarding elements here, not least the seeming ease with which the 21-year-old pianist untangles the music’s complex web of threads.”
Limelight ★★★★★, Editor’s Choice
“A Goldberg for the Ages… [Its] effect on the listening public is destined to equal if not exceed that of Glenn Gould’s legendary 1955 recording.”
HiFi+ ★★★★★
“Like Gould, Lim has the ability to elucidate Bach’s dense contrapuntal writing, and render each individual line with perfect clarity.”
The Classic Review
“A reading shaped for a large space, confidently voiced, and unafraid of letting the instrument speak with full presence.”
Pianist Magazine ★★★★
“Lim’s luminous tone belies his years: it’s hard to credit he was all of 21 when giving this performance.”