Trauermusik, for viola (or violin or cello) and piano by Paul Hindemith
Piano reduction by Franz Willms. 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 expanded the repertory for viola with many substantial and demanding works, but also several shorter (though no less substantial) works as well. In 1935, he was due to premiere his viola concerto ''Der Schwanendreher'' in London, but just before the concert, King George V died. The premiere was postponed, and in just a day, Hindemith wrote Trauermusik (Mourning Music), a short, four-movement elegy for viola and strings to play in its place. Despite the speed of its composition, it does not skimp on substance, and is one of the most striking elegies of the repertory. It is suitable for intermediate-advanced players. This arrangement for viola and piano also includes solo parts for violin and cello.
