The Japanese percussionist turns to the Cello Suites and Violin Sonatas of J.S. Bach for her fourth studio recording with Linn.

Kuniko’s debut Kuniko plays Reich was acclaimed by the media, becoming Linn’s bestselling album of 2011, whilst
Cantus entered the Top 10 of the Official UK Specialist Classical Chart and Xenakis: IX was nominated in the Contemporary Music and Recording categories at Japan’s Record Academy Awards.

Arranged for solo marimba, Kuniko gives a unique perspective of these hugely famous and intellectually challenging works. The beautiful acoustic of the medieval Jaani Kirik (St John’s Church) in Estonia creates the ideal sound space for Kuniko’s arrangements.

Kuniko’s trademark is her highly sensitive touch, particularly with wooden instruments such as marimba, which gives these interpretations an extremely stripped-down yet natural, organic feel.

Kuniko won praise for her performance of Bach’s G minor Violin Sonata at the 1995 Leigh Howard Stevens International Marimba Competition, particularly for her lack of marimba rolls in the Adagio.

Kuniko is a soloist who is recognised around the world for her astonishing virtuosity, exquisite musical insight and expressive yet elegant performance style.

She is renowned for her flawless technique when playing both keyboard and percussion instruments, which blends seamlessly with her profound musical intelligence.

“Kuniko Kato makes stunning music from the simplest of instruments, stretching their sonorities to heights never previously heard on record.” - Facts & Arts