Vestard Shimkus (piano)

After a first album for Artalinna dedicated to Rachmaninov, released in 2014, Vestard Shimkus now invites us on a journey to the heart of the work of Scriabin, one of his favourite composers, alternating “miniatures” (Feuillets d’album, Préludes) and large forms (Poème-Nocturne, Sonatas).

Shimkus’s interpretations, devoid of violence, emphasize the formal clarity and harmonic modernity of the Russian composer, at times revealing unprecedented colours (Sonata no.4). An album that showcases a singular and expressive universe.

Described as “a phenomenon” (conductor Paavo Järvi), “superb” (American Record Guide) and “inspired” (BBC), pianist Vestard Shimkus (born 1984, Latvia) has also been called “one of the greatest pianists of the young generation” (PianoNews).

Being a first-prize-winner of Maria Canals International Piano Competition (2009), he began to gain an international recognition after performances with BBC Philharmonic, City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra and Orchestre National de France as well as after performing at Schleswig-Holstein, Rheingau, Kissinger Sommer, Bergen and Lockenhaus festivals.

• Scriabin: Albumblatt, Op. 58
• Scriabin: Fantasy in B minor, Op. 28
• Scriabin: Feuillet d'album in F sharp major
• Scriabin: Feuillet d'album, Op. 45 No. 1
• Scriabin: Impromptu à la Mazur, Op. 2 No. 3
• Scriabin: Piano Sonata No. 4 in F sharp major, Op. 30
• Scriabin: Piano Sonata No. 6, Op. 62
• Scriabin: Poème-Nocturne, Op. 61
• Scriabin: Preludes (5), Op. 74
• Scriabin: Waltz in A flat major, Op. 38