Tune Book for Violins by Paul Hindemith
Edited by Luitgard Schader. Published by Schott
Both as violist and composer, Paul Hindemith (1895-1963) was thoroughly involved with contemporary music--he was a leading exponent of New Objectivity and neoclassical styles, and was much in demand as a soloist, premiering, among other works, Walton's Viola Concerto. During the rise of fascism in Germany, he emigrated to the United States, where he became a much-respected pedagogue.
In 1931, Erich Doflein issued a request to several composers to submit short pieces of music--not etudes or exercises--suitable for young and amateur violinists, to be a part of his first major method publication. Bela Bartok's set of ''44 Duets'' for 2 violins is the most well-known submission, but few players are familiar with Hindemith's ''Tune Book for Violins'', a set of 41 studies for 1 or 2 violins also featured in the collection and a wonderful companion to the Bartok duets in musicality and progressive development. This 2009 publication is the first time they have been published outside of the original 1932 Doflein and would be an ideal addition to the repertory of any beginning-intermediate student.
