Interview With L.v. Beethoven: Piano Sonatas

Vestard Shimkus (piano)

Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1829)
Piano Sonata op.2 no. 3, Piano Sonata op. "Hammerklavier"
Vestard Shimkus (b. 1984)
EU Variations on a Theme of Beethoven (2005)

Pianist Vestard Shimkus, born in Latvia in 1984, has gained international recognition after debut performances with the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra, the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Orchestre National de France, the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra, Kremerata Baltica, NDR Symphony Orchestra Hamburg, the Symphony Orchestras of Barcelona, Bilbao and Tenerife at venues such as the Vienna Konzerthaus, Konzerthaus Berlin, Philharmonie Essen, Tokyo Opera City, Salle Olivier Messiaen in Paris, Konserthuset in Stockholm, Moscow Conservatory, the Prague Rudolfinum, Palau de la Musica (Barcelona), Sala Verdi (Milano), the Oriental Art Centre in Shanghai, and Amsterdam Concertgebouw among others. Shimkus was awarded 1st prize at international piano competitions such as the 55th Maria Canals International Piano Competition in Barcelona, Spain in 2009 and at the 5th Bad Kissingen KlavierOlympiade in 2007.
On his first recording for ARS Produktion, Vestard Shimkus spans a wide period when he couples Ludwig van Beethoven's third piano sonata from Opus 2 with the Hammerklavier Sonata Opus 106. A span leading straight from the tempestuous young pianist to the old, almost deaf composer - a span which connects together the storms of youth and the last hurrahs of old age.
And in so doing reveals what actually sprang from a musical talent's bold hopes.
"Vestard Shimkus is a phenomenon! He has his own personality, self-confidence and technical brilliance. Some people may talk about the end of the age of the classical music but when you hear a Shimkus performance, you can be sure that classical music is quite well." (Paavo Järvi)

Price: $28.98

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