The violinist Midori has been a celebrated performer for more than 35 years, this recording of Beethoven's Violin Concerto, complemented by his two Romances for violin and orchestra, marks the composer's 250th birthday in December 2020. Midori plays with the Lucerne Festival Strings in a recording made in Switzerland shortly after the COVID-19 pandemic had caused the cancellation of a planned concert performance and international tour. "Beethoven guided my colleagues and me," says Midori, "his work focusing and inspiring us, our concentrations heightened, enveloped together in our musical efforts... I am reminded that he was a man of strong beliefs... who took firm stands on many major issues of his day... Beethoven's determination still provides a model for humankind."