In June 1982, Lupu made a critically acclaimed recording of Schubert's Impromptus (D. 899 & 935). John Rockwell wrote in "The New York Times" that Lupu's "singing tone here must be heard to be believed. Without belittling the other facets of Schubert's musical personality, he captures the composer's songful essence with a rare beauty - and, in so doing, he reaffirms once more the ability of present-day performers to do ample justice to the music of the past." In addition, "Gramophone" said about the recording:In 1989, Lupu was awarded the "Abbiati" prize by the Italian Critics' Association. In 1995, he won an Edison Award for his album of Schumann's "Kinderszenen" (Op. 15), "Kreisleriana" (Op. 16) and "Humoreske" (Op. 20) which was also nominated for a Grammy Award. In the Grammy Awards of 1996, he won a Grammy Award for Best Instrumental Soloist Performance (without orchestra) for Schubert's Piano Sonatas in B-flat major (D. 960) and A major (D. 664).