Hindemith:
- Sonatas for Viola and Piano
While a substantial number of concertos were composed for the viola during the 18th to 19th centuries, it was not until the 20th century that the viola became the object of more serious attention by composers.
It was Paul Hindemith – himself an excellent violist – who was largely responsible for rescuing the instrument from relative oblivion.
This recording shows the listener the development of the composer’s style from of his Sonata Op.11 No. 4, to the Sonata in F major of 1939.
The selections we hear are as follows:
Hindemith:
- Sonata for Viola and Piano in F major, Op. 11 No. 4
- Sonata for Viola d’amore, Op. 25, No. 2
- Sonata for Viola and Piano, Op. 25 No. 4
- Sonata for solo viola (1937)
- Meditation
Performed by Luca Sonzò (viola) and Maurizio Paciariello (piano)
As you probably know, I love the sound of the viola, so here are a few videos:
First, here is Hindemith’s composition “Der Schwanendreher”, with Antoine Tamestit, viola:
And next, here is Hindemith’s “Trauermusik” (Music of sorrow), performed by Yuri Bashmet, viola:
Finally, here is something older, composed many years earlier, and played by my favorite violist:
http://www.tabeazimmermann.de/en/
Robert Schumann’s “Marchenbilder” op 113, played by Tabea Zimmermann:
Tags: Paul Hindemith, viola, Sonatas, Tabea Zimmermann, Yuri Bashmet, Antoine Tamestit