Joseph Rheinberger - Collection Vol. 1, Violin Pieces (Mariko Aikawa; Takaya Sano)

Information

Composer: Joseph Rheinberger

• Suite for Violin and Organ in C Minor, Op. 166
• Violin Sonata in E Minor, Op. 105
• 6 Pieces, Op. 150: Nos. 1, 3 & 6

Mariko Aikawa, violin

Takaya Sano, piano

Date: 2026

Label: MClassics

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This album highlights the late-Romantic violin sonatas of Joseph Rheinberger, a Liechtenstein-born composer and organist trained in Munich whose expressive works blend passionate Romantic melodies with a subtle Baroque atmosphere. Though best known for his organ and choral repertoire, Rheinberger’s violin compositions offer rich harmonies that merit a prominent place in the standard classical canon. Performed by violinist Mariko Aikawa and pianist Takaya Sano, this recording pairs a refined, flowing violin tone with exceptional pianism to fully capture the charm, elegance, and emotional depth of Rheinberger’s unique musical style.

Violinist Mariko Aikawa graduated from the Tokyo University of the Arts and the Paris National Conservatory of Music, where she studied as a French government scholar and graduated with top honors in 1997. Since her 1998 debut recital in Japan, she has maintained a dynamic career as an international soloist, performing concertos alongside major orchestras and collaborating with renowned artists like Gérard Poulet. Beyond standard classical repertoire, Aikawa advocates for modern Japanese compositions through contemporary recordings and has served as the concertmaster for the high-profile "live Image" series since 2007.

Pianist Takaya Sano earned degrees from the Tokyo University of the Arts and completed advanced studies in Paris at the Schola Cantorum and the Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique et de Danse. An acclaimed soloist and chamber musician, Sano has won major awards at prestigious global contests, including the Long-Thibaud, Chopin, and José Roca international competitions. He has performed alongside premier ensembles like the Orchestre National de France and the NHK Symphony Orchestra, while producing notable recordings such as the world-premiere complete piano works of Kosaku Yamada (2023). Sano currently serves on the faculties of Kunitachi College of Music and Tokyo Metropolitan Comprehensive Arts High School.