Presents
Joseph Rheinberger
Violin Sonata No.2 in e minor, Op.105
Joseph Gabriel Rheinberger (1839-1901) was born in Vaduz, the capital of Liechtenstein. At the age of 5, young Joseph was given piano and organ lessons from a local teacher. His talent was immediately discovered and was of such a substantial nature that with the help of a scholarship he was sent to the Royal Conservatory in Munich where he studied with Franz Lachner, one of Schubert’s close friends and an important composer in his own right. Rheinberger, himself eventually taught at the Royal Conservatory where he held the position of Professor of Composition for nearly 40 years. Remembered today only for his organ compositions which are considered the most important ever written after those of Bach, during his life time Rheinberger was a much respected composer, generally ranked after Brahms and Wagner as the most important living German composer.
Violin Sonata No.2 was completed in 1878 and dedicated to the violinist and chamber musician to the Royal Bavarian Court, Franz Bruckner. Like his first violin sonata, it is composed in three large movements. The opening movement, Allegro non troppo, exudes the air melancholy restlessness. The middle movement, Andante molto, though not so marked has a series of dreamy variations on the opening theme. The finale is an energetic Allegro non troppo, full of forward motion and nervous energy.
This is an excellent work which deserves to be heard in the recital hall. We recommend it to both amateurs and professionals.
Parts: $24.95
