Josef Rheinberger (1839-1901) was a German romantic composer of mainly works for the organ, his own instrument. He was one of the leading figures in the “Cecilian Movement” which, in a world of increasing secularization, propagated the return to religious values of the past, expressing itself in a renewed interest in Gothic architecture and polyphony.
• Rheinberger’s works are a happy blend of the Romantic spirit of his time and a healthy dose of polyphony and counterpoint, in this he was a worthy successor of Felix Mendelssohn.
• This new recording presents works for organ in combination with other solo instruments: the violin, cello and oboe, resulting in highly attractive works full of melodious charm and beauty, embedded in the rich coloristic possibilities of the organ. Included are a Suite for violin, cello and organ, a Suite and 6 Stücke for violin and organ, and several shorter works for cello and organ and oboe and organ.
• Played with loving affection by Michela Bergamasco (violin), Cristina Monticoli (oboe), Marco Dalsass (cello) and Manuel Tomadin (organ). The organ is an historic instrument, built by Georg Friedrich Steinmeyer in 1874, in the Lutheran Evangelical Church in Trieste, Italy, the specifications of which are included in the booklet.