Takashi Saito and the Romantic Flute: A Masterful Performance at the 2025 Carl Reinecke International Music Competition
- WOMCO
- 8m
- 4 min read
Takashi Saito, flutist from Japan, received the Grand Prize and the Best Reinecke Performance Special Award in the Professional (no age limit) category for his performance of Carl Reinecke’s Flute Concerto in D major at the Carl Reinecke International Music Competition 2025 Season 3 (June 1 – September 1), with the results announced on September 18.
This remarkable achievement marks a significant milestone in Saito’s artistic journey. To gain insight into his preparation, interpretation, and personal connection to the piece, we spoke with him about the background of his performance, the artistic choices he made, and the experience of participating in the competition.
Could you share the background of your music performance Carl Reinecke Flute Concerto in D major? When and where did you record it, and what led you to choose this piece for your performance?
Takashi Saito:
"The recording took place in July of this year—not in a grand concert hall, but in a small, intimate space. I deliberately chose a venue with a high ceiling and a stone floor, because I believe the flute breathes best in places where sound can truly resonate.
This piece is one I hold close to my heart. It’s not just a favorite—it’s a piece that stirs something deep within me. That connection allows me to pour my emotions into every note. With each take, I listened, reflected, and refined, striving to bring out the fullest expression of the music.
To me, this piece isn’t just a performance—it’s a partner. We've grown together through countless rehearsals and moments of discovery. Ever since I first shared the stage with an orchestra as a soloist, this piece has been a deeply personal reminder of an irreplaceable part of my musical journey."
Could you walk us through your approach to preparing and interpreting your award-winning video performance for the online music competition? What were some of the artistic or technical considerations that shaped the final result, and are there any tips or points you think are important when submitting a performance video?
Takashi Saito:
"I believe the recording environment plays a crucial role. There are spaces where the flute feels easy to play—where the sound lingers just enough and the walls aren’t overly soundproof. If the acoustics are poor, you end up forcing the sound, which takes away from the natural flow of the performance. That’s why I think it’s essential to find a hall where you can relax and let the music breathe.
Once the hall is settled, the next step is to ask: how do I showcase who I am as a performer? What are my strengths? For me, one of them is double tonguing. I focused especially on the end of the third movement, practicing intensively to highlight that skill.
Expressiveness also matters deeply. I try to expand my imagination when performing, and in that sense, the recitativo in the second movement was a key moment for me. I feel I was able to convey my thoughts clearly through that passage.
Finally, while opinions may vary, I personally believe that musical dynamics should not be sacrificed for perfect pitch. Of course, pitch is important—but if you focus too much on it, the music can lose its vitality. When I find myself torn between the two, I choose dynamic expression. Because it’s bold, and it moves people.
Ultimately, I think it’s important to choose a piece that lets your strengths shine, and to have a passionate desire for others to hear and feel the music you love."
Having earned the Best Reinecke Performance Special Award, what makes Reinecke's music stand out to you as a flutist? Are there particular aspects of his compositional style or emotional depth that resonate with you?
Takashi Saito:
"Carl Reinecke was a prominent pianist and educator, admired by figures such as Franz Liszt and Clara Schumann. Today, he is best known for his piano works, his flute sonata, and this flute concerto in D major. Remarkably, this concerto is one of the very few flute concertos from the Romantic era that continues to be performed regularly.
Although composed in 1908, the concerto is often described as “Romantic,” which reflects the essence of Reinecke’s musical style. By that time, his approach was considered somewhat old-fashioned, rooted in the traditions of early 19th-century composers like Felix Mendelssohn and Robert Schumann.
Nevertheless, Reinecke was a gifted composer with a refined sense of melody and harmony. This flute concerto showcases his strengths beautifully, blending classical Romantic elements with touches of post-Romanticism and hints of the emerging modern musical language."
Would you like to share your experience participating in our competition and anyone you'd like to thank?
Takashi Saito:
"I’m deeply grateful to my family, who always support me, and to the teachers who dedicate themselves to guiding my musical journey. Whenever I start drifting into self-satisfaction, they offer precise advice that helps me realign and grow.
I also want to thank my accompanist, who stays close to my music and supports my performance with care and sensitivity. Thanks to all of them, I’ve come to realize that music is never something I create alone.
It was because of the unwavering support from my family and friends that I was able to keep going and give my best without giving up. Participating in the WOMCO competition was an incredible experience, and winning both the Grand Prize—which had long been a dream of mine—and the Best Reinecke Performance Special Award, which I had hoped for most in this competition, was truly an honor.
I’m sincerely thankful for receiving this Double Special Award."