2026 has been an incredible year for classical releases. One album, however, has stood head and shoulders above the rest: pianist Yunchan Lim’s exquisitely crafted performance of J.S. Bach’s monumental Goldberg Variations.

“I’m truly honored by this distinction from Apple Music Classical,” Yunchan Lim tells us. This celebratory special edition of his Goldbergs includes Korean commentary, bonus encore, video, and—on Apple Music Classical—booklet and Listening Guide.

Yunchan Lim stunned the classical music world in 2022 when he became the youngest Van Cliburn winner at just 18. His fiery, richly colored pianism, heard in Bach, of course, as well as Rachmaninoff and Chopin, flourishes on the Decca label.

Bach’s 1741 Goldberg Variations transform a simple “Aria” into 30 variations comprising dances, canons, hand-crossing acrobatics, and more. It’s a colossal work that journeys from melancholy to mischief. Enjoy more landmark recordings below.

Experience more of the best classical music of 2026 with these exceptional tracks from artists ranging from pianists and violinists to choirs, ensembles, and symphony orchestras—all performing music stretching over 800 years.