Hindemith: Nobilissima visione

Featuring

Gerard Schwarz
Ko-Ichiro Yamamoto
Emma McGrath
Seattle Symphony
Paul Hindemith

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Composer Biography

Paul Hindemith, the composer, was one of the 20th century's most versatile musicians, excelling as a composer, violist, violinist, conductor, and teacher.

Composition History

The title of the ballet was changed from 'St Francis' to Nobilissima Visione ('The Noblest Vision') during its publication.

Composer's Artistic Vision

The ballet Nobilissima Visione, like Hindemith's opera Mathis der Maler, explores the central theme of renouncing worldly struggle in favor of a spiritual state.

Composition History

The ballet Nobilissima Visione was inspired by Giotto's frescoes depicting the life of Saint Francis of Assisi, which deeply moved Hindemith during a visit to Florence.

Compositional Technique

Hindemith's ballet score Nobilissima Visione integrates a pre-existing 13th-century song, Ce fut en mai, which recurs throughout the work and forms the basis for much of its material.

Performer Biography

Gerard Schwarz, the conductor, served as Music Director of the Seattle Symphony for 26 acclaimed years and has a discography of over 350 releases.

Composer Biography

Hindemith's opera Mathis der Maler, a dramatic allegory about an artist's dilemma, led to open conflict with the National Socialist government, causing him to leave Germany.