Latvian piano star Vestards Šimkus (known as Vestard Shimkus internationally) has released his latest solo compact disc, entitled Interview with Beethoven.
The CD contains three works: Ludwig van Beethoven’s piano sonatas number 2 and 29 (the extremely difficult “Hammerklavier”), as well as Šimkus’ own “EU Variations,” which are variations on the theme from “Ode to Joy” from Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9.
Interview with Beethoven was released in May by German music label Ars Produktion (ARS 38 099). The works were recorded at the Steinway-Haus in Dusseldorf.
Šimkus, who began playing piano at the age of 5, has become internationally renowned for his skill and interpretations. He was honored with the Latvian Great Music Award in 2002 and 2009. Šimkus also received accolades for his performance of Latvian composer Pēteris Vasks’ “The Seasons” solo piano cycle, which was released on CD by the German music label Wergo in 2010.
As shown on this release, Šimkus is also an active composer. His “Concerto for Piano and String Orchestra” received its world premiere in July 2008.
Tracks on the CD include:
- Vestards Šimkus, EU Variations on a Theme of Beethoven
- Ludwig van Beethoven: Klaviersonate op. 2 Nr. 3, Allegro con brio
- Ludwig van Beethoven: Klaviersonate op. 2 Nr. 3, Adagio
- Ludwig van Beethoven: Klaviersonate op. 2 Nr. 3, Scherzo: Allegro
- Ludwig van Beethoven: Klaviersonate op. 2 Nr. 3, Allegro assai
- Ludwig van Beethoven: Klaviersonate op. 106 Hammerklavier: Allegro
- Ludwig van Beethoven: Klaviersonate op. 106 Hammerklavier: Scherzo: Assai vivace
- Ludwig van Beethoven: Klaviersonate op. 106 Hammerklavier: Adagio sostenuto
- Ludwig van Beethoven: Klaviersonate op. 106 Hammerklavier: Introduzione: Largo – Fuga: Allegro risoluto
The CD booklet features essays on Beethoven and his works in both German and in English, as well as a brief biography of Šimkus and a brief essay by him. The disc is a Super Audio CD (SACD), which means it can be played on DVD players utilizing 5.1 channel output, if available.
More information about Šimkus is available on his website, www.vestard-shimkus.com.
On his latest compact disc, Latvian pianist and composer Vestards Šimkus tackles Ludwig van Beethoven.
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