Customer Reviews

Hindemith - Sonatas for Viola/Piano and Viola Alone / Kashkashian · Levin

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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.

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.)

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.

This is in my opinion the definitive Hindemith viola sonata collection. Kashkashian's playing is wonderful, and any lover of sonatas or Hindemith will love the variety and craft of these works.