This recording was made in a former church in Wuppertal, which provided excellent acoustics and a consistently perfect temperature.
Instruments
The piano used for this recording is a Steinway D, serial number 586 084, which was also the official instrument for the Beethoven piano competition in Bonn the previous year.
Composition History
The EU Variations, composed by Vestard Shimkus, were commissioned by the German music publisher Schott in 2005 for a festive event in Wiesbaden.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Vestard Shimkus believes Beethoven's music represents humanity's highest achievement, guiding listeners with structural clarity, surprise, and genuine human sincerity.
Performer Biography
Vestard Shimkus, the pianist, was born in Latvia in 1984 and has received numerous awards, including the 1st prize at the 55th Maria Canals International Piano Competition in Barcelona.
Recording & Production
The recording sessions were efficient, with very few cuts, and were completed in three days, described as an "intimate conversation with Beethoven himself."
Compositional Technique
Vestard Shimkus's EU Variations incorporate styles of various classical composers like Wagner and Schumann, as well as traditional Islamic folk music and a Russian-inspired finale.
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