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Hindemith - Sonatas for Viola/Piano and Viola Alone / Kashkashian · Levin
Kim Kashkashian
Hindemith - Sonatas for Viola/Piano and Viola Alone / Kashkashian · Levin
Genre: Classical
 
  •  Track Listings (14) - Disc #1
  •  Track Listings (10) - Disc #2

The viola was Hindemith's instrument (though he could play almost any), and he wrote some of his most expressive chamber music for it. This two-disc set includes all four of Hindemith's sonatas for solo violin and the thre...  more »

     
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CD Details

All Artists: Kim Kashkashian
Title: Hindemith - Sonatas for Viola/Piano and Viola Alone / Kashkashian · Levin
Members Wishing: 3
Total Copies: 0
Label: ECM Records
Release Date: 3/29/1994
Genre: Classical
Styles: Chamber Music, Instruments, Strings
Number of Discs: 2
SwapaCD Credits: 2
UPC: 781182133020

Synopsis

Amazon.com
The viola was Hindemith's instrument (though he could play almost any), and he wrote some of his most expressive chamber music for it. This two-disc set includes all four of Hindemith's sonatas for solo violin and the three for viola and piano. I prefer the wildness of Hindemith's earlier music to the sometimes arid calm of his later music, so listeners like myself who like Hindemith can have a feast here as most of these are early works. They are played with energy and passion by an outstanding violist and a fine pianist. --Leslie Gerber

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CD Reviews

Hindemith in All His Varied Glory
C. Noble | Portland, OR USA | 01/11/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)

"Hindemith seems to enjoy a slandered reputation by most US music afficianados these days. "Hindemith is square, dry, humorless, passionless music." Any such pre- and mis-conceptions must surrender to the body of work presented on this set of Hindemith's complete viola sonatas (Hindemith was himself one of the first touring viola soloists, he premiered the Walton Concerto), beautifully played by Kim Kashkashian and Robert Levin. There are, to my mind, two highlights from this set--two brighter gems among a sea of precious stones. The first is the Op. 11/4 Sonata for viola and piano. This represents Hindemith at his most romantic. Oddly redolent of Debussy and the Impressionist influence in the prelude, but staunchly Germanic in its Fugue and concluding Variations, this sonata encompasses an entire range of musical passion. The second is the Op. 25/1 Solo Viola Sonata. A slightly more severe work than the 11/4, it is nevertheless a masterfully crafted, flawlessly paced composition. The central slow movement is touching and profound, while the moto perpetuo fast movement is a blazing virtuoso tour de force. Throughout the entire set, Kashkashian (an American of Armenian lineage who makes her home in Germany) and Levin (known more for his authentic performances of Mozart and Beethoven concerti) play with great integrity, virtuosity, and sincerity. After listening to this music, you will never think of Hindemith, or the viola, the same way again."
This is an amazing recording
C. Noble | 01/27/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)

"I own many recordings of the Hindemith sonatas for viola. I even have one of Hindemith himself playing two of his own works. This CD is by far the best. Anyone who says they don't like Hindemith should get this. I've played this CD for friends who said they didn't like Hindemith and this CD changed their minds. They now reconize Hindemith for the genius that he was, and the viola for its potential as a solo instrument. (The piano playing on this recording is amazing too.)"
A must have for any violist
C. Noble | 02/02/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)

"I love the sonatas, but as a violist I love these disks as a standard for great playing for violists. I've never heard better playing anywhere else."