Krystian Zimerman has been awarded the Praemium Imperiale prize for music. Given annually by the Japan Art Association, the awards recognise people across art and architecture whose contribution has indelibly shaped their respective field.

Zimerman's artistic contribution is without question, despite the rarity in which he features on record. However, the prize coincides with - as announced in the latest issue of Gramophone - a new album of music by the Polish pianist's compatriot Karol Szymanowski, on Deutsche Grammophon. It actually completes an album Zimerman began in 1994 – back then, he recorded Masques, Op 34, in Copenhagen, but these tracks were never released. Now, in Fukuyama Concert Hall in Hiroshima, Japan, he has added four of the nine Preludes, Op 1, four of the 20 Mazurkas, Op 50, and the Variations on a Polish Folk Theme, Op 10. It will be released on September 30.

It will be the first solo album to be issued by Zimerman since his late Schubert piano sonatas five years ago (DG, 10/17 – a Recording of the Month). More recently, last year DG released a complete set of the Beethoven Piano Concertos with Zimerman joined by Sir Simon Rattle and the LSO.

In winning the Award, Zimerman joins an illustrious list of alumni, including Anne-Sophie Mutter, Riccardo Muti, Arvo Pärt, Mitsuko Uchida, Martha Argerich, and last year's recipient Yo-Yo Ma.

Music is one of of five categories: the Architecture prize went to Kazuyo Sejima + Ryue Nishizawa / SANAA from Japan; Painting to Giulio Paolini (Italy); Theatre/Film to German director and producer Wim Wenders; and the Sculpture prize to AI Weiwei, who attended the announcement in London this morning and spoke about his, and his art's, relationship to his homeland China, as well to themes of exile and imprisonment.

Each Laureate receives 15 million Yen (c.£100,000), but there was a further announcement for music, as the Grant for Young Artists - worth 5 million Yen (c. £33,000) was awarded to The Kronberg Academy Foundation in Germany. Established in 1993 by cellist Pablo Casals’s widow, Marta Casals Istomin and cellists Raimund Trenkler and Mstislav Rostropovich, it offers advanced training for exceptionally gifted young violinists, violists, cellists and pianists. Young soloists from the Academy can be heard at London's Wigmore Hall on Sunday November 6.

Lord Chris Patten, one of the Award's International Advisers, said of the announcement: ‘In these deeply polarising times, artists’ ability to command attention, inspire reflection and bring solace is more crucial than ever.'