Paul Hindemith, the composer, was a highly versatile musician who could play every orchestral instrument, some to a high standard.
Composer Biography
Hindemith was a member of the renowned Amar Quartet as its violist and later played in a trio with violinist Szymon Goldberg and cellist Emanuel Feuermann, both of whom were Jewish.
Historical Context
Hindemith's music was branded as 'culturally Bolshevik' by the Nazi regime in 1933, leading to its disappearance from German concert programs.
Performer Biography
Roland Pöntinen, the pianist on this recording, made his debut with the Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra at the age of 17.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Hindemith believed composers should only write if they know the reason for doing so, stating that 'composition as an end in itself' might be over.
Performer Biography
Nobuko Imai, the violist on this recording, is the only violist to have won the highest prizes at both the Munich and Geneva International Viola Competitions.
Composer Biography
Hindemith was initially a violinist but became known as the leading German viola player by the end of the 1920s.
