In his Concerto for Woodwinds, Harp and Orchestra, Hindemith used a concerto grosso style, pitting four solo woodwinds and harp against a small orchestra.
Composer Biography
Hindemith could optimally exploit the characteristics of instruments in his compositions because he mastered almost all of them himself.
Composition History
Hindemith's Concerto for Woodwinds, Harp and Orchestra was commissioned by Columbia University in 1948 for the Festival of Contemporary American Music.
Composer Biography
Paul Hindemith, the composer, studied violin in Frankfurt/M. and became concertmaster of the Frankfurt Opera House Orchestra at age 19.
Compositional Technique
The '8 Stücke für Flöte allein' (8 Pieces for Flute Solo) apply the free linear melodic development found in Bach's solo violin works to 20th-century music.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Hindemith aimed to write music for a broad range of musicians, including children, amateurs, and choirs, not just professionals.
Composition History
Hindemith composed the 'Sonate für Flöte und Klavier' (Sonata for Flute and Piano) in just two weeks, with his wife describing it as "the most mirthful and most otherworldly of all his chamber compositions."
