Der Schwanendreher for viola and piano by Paul Hindemith
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.
Hindemith's ''Der Schwanendreher'' (The Swan Turner, 1935) is one of the core works of the viola concerto repertory. The title refers to a wandering medieval minstrel, seemingly represented by the solo viola, which rhapsodizes on various medieval folk songs across the concerto. As with many of his works for viola, Hindemith composed it with himself in mind as performer; accordingly, it is known for its considerable technical challenges yet rewarding, idiomatic writing. For advanced players.
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