Hindemith: Sonatas for…

Composer, instrumentalist, conductor, and teacher, Paul Hindemith was a prolific creator of chamber music. His output includes such curiosities as works for trautonium (an early type of synthesizer) and sonatas for viola d’amore and alto horn, the latter of which begins this album. In addition to playing the violin and viola professionally, Hindemith could perform competently on every single one of the instruments he composed for. Alexander Melnikov’s 2015 collaboration with an impressive roster of instrumentalists is a great starting point for an exploration of Hindemith’s music, with fine performances from violinist Isabelle Faust, horn player Teunis van Der Zwart, and cellist Alexander Rudin. And Jeroen Berwaerts brings energy and wit to the Sonata for Trumpet and Piano. Melnikov matches his trademark clarity and precision to Hindemith’s sinewy musical language and impeccable craftsmanship.