For this recital in Paris, in April 2019, the Latvian pianist Vestard Shimkus imagined a program focused on preludes and fugues. A first part devoted to preludes confirmed his affinity with Scriabin (Preludes Op. 74) and his performance in Debussy also displayed a bewildering art of suggestion. In the second part, introduced with a majestic composition by the pianist, two excerpts from J. S. Bach’s Well-Tempered Clavier, which preceded two of Shostakovich’s Preludes and Fugues, performed with an impressive dramatic force. A very original journey, spanning three centuries of musical creation, by one of the most fascinating personalities of the classical scene. © Artalinna