Víkingur Ólafsson, Iceland's superstar pianist, engages in captivating dialogue in Part One of his interview on the Gould Standard. From Reykjavik to New York, Ólafsson delves into the profound influence of his Icelandic roots and reflects on his educational journey from early studies with his parents to Juilliard. The conversation unveils a multifaceted glimpse into his musical philosophy, exploring topics ranging from his insights into Bach's Goldberg Variations (which he has just recorded, and which he calls the greatest work of keyboard music ever written) to his nuanced views on music competitions. Ólafsson boldly contends that exceptional art should act as a catalyst for societal discourse, with the potential to overcome divisions, following in the footsteps of one of his inspirations, Glenn Gould.