Album insights
Paul Hindemith's early focus was on mastering the violin, but his passion shifted towards the viola by the end of World War I. Becoming renowned internationally as a chamber musician and concert soloist, especially championing the viola, he composed extensively for the instrument. In a ground-breaking move, he bundled numerous significant works under a single opus, departing from traditional standalone compositions. Hindemith's dedication to the viola was evident in his compositions, with influences ranging from romantic to contemporary styles.
In 1919, he premiered the F major Sonata for Viola and Piano, a reflective piece infusing elements reminiscent of Brahms and Dvorák with a touch of French-Russian flair. This sonata, rich with romantic melodies and unique polyphonic complexities, showcases Hindemith's evolving style. Moving swiftly into his Opus 25 works, Hindemith's compositions embraced a bolder, more rhythmic idiom, intensified contrasts, and a tighter structure—a departure from his earlier opus. Notable was his incorporation of diverse musical influences, particularly evident in the vibrant finale filled with Eastern European musical nods.
Hindemith's later years were marred by conflicts with the Nazi regime, leading to a self-imposed exile. During this tumultuous period, he continued to compose, exhibiting a maturing musical language infused with rich harmonic textures. As he sought refuge in various countries, Hindemith's output remained prolific, showcasing a range of instrumental works that redefined expressive possibilities within solo compositions. One of his final gems, the monumental Viola Sonata for Viola and Piano, presented in 1939, embodied a fusion of his established style with a heightened emotional depth and a polyphonic richness, marking a triumphant culmination of his solo viola compositions.