Search - Hindemith, Chailly, Cgb :: Kammermusik 1-7

Fine Hindemith set

Critic at large | East Coast USA | 09/20/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"First things first, I am a big Hindemith fan. I am also a big fan of chamber music of all eras, so yes, this fits my tastes. Then there is the matter of the peformance and engineering, first rate. Chailly is a fine conductor and the Concertgebouw is a great orchestra. The sound is good.



Now, why would one buy this set of CDs? Answer, because Hindemith is an overlooked, underrated 20th century composer who was NOT merely a technician, or competent teacher, but a fine composer in his own right.



He saw himself in the line of Bach and the compositionally oriented Germans, and as such his music emphasizes compositional technique. But, like the composers from whom he drew inspiration, he was able to take the traditions he inherited and change them into something new and original. His music is frequently /always intellectual, so if you are looking for pure emotional experience, look elsewhere, but if you find beauty in intellect, have a listen to these.



I think part of the problem with Hindemith is that he was truly one who understood a compositional tradition, and is therefore labeled an uninspired technician by some. But what is wrong with being inspired by traditions? Bach was the same, he wrote counterpoint and was aware of the traditions from which he came. At the same time, he was an original. He used the tradition, studied the works of other composers both of his own German tradition and those of Italy and France. Then he composed high art.



Perhaps Hindemith had the misfortune of being active in a time when after more than a century of Austro-Germanic domination, composers were looking elsewhere. Trying to be "new" and "modern", and especially to break tradition. I don't think that this means that Hindemith was automatically suspect, nor should he be to those who want to explore.



My advice, if what I've said interests you, then give this a try and listen closely. If you don't like reviews like this one that draw on analogies and try to convice you to see Hindemith in a different light than the bad rap he frequently gets, so be it. Have a look at the other reveiws too, I don't disagree with any of their major points.



If you want to ease into Hindemith a little and prefer an immediate emotional orientation, then have a look at his requiem or his works for orchestra such as Mathis der Mahler. But before you dismiss Hindemith as a technician alone, please listen to his music. This CD set, along the other works I've mentioned, is one of the best places to start."

Excellent recording

Jeremiah Lawson | Seattle, WA United States | 07/29/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The sound quality on this disc is good and the performances are also first rate. The inclusion of Kleine Kammermusik (the woodwind quintet) is unusual but welcome. If you're not a Hindemith fan then this CD will be too big a dose for you. This is all early material and the influence of Stravinsky on Hindemith's early work really shows in this series, especially in kammermusik 1 where hints of Petrushka can be heard. The most popular works in this series deserve their pride of place, the first work, the wind quintet, and the cello and viola concertos. The piano and violin concertos are too much formal elegance over tunes for my taste, even as a Hindemith fan.
The organ concerto's a bit later and reflects more of the Mathis der Maler era Hindemith.If you're just looking for the more accessible Hindemith works from this series go for another disk but if you want a solid recording of the whole cycle this is the album you want."

A great collection of truly wonderful music!

Julio Castro Karg | Guadalajara, Jalisco Mexico | 03/26/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The music in these CDs is unbelievable! Really beautiful, creative, joyous music that deserves to be thoroughly explored and enjoyed!
This album features a series of small concert like pieces for different solo instruments and chamber-sized orchestra that Hindemith called "Kammermusik". It is an interesting album because these pieces are a great example of early Hindemith's elegant neo-classicism!...(or is it "neo-baroque"?)...
Unlike the music of some other 20th century composers, Hindemith's Kammermusik is quite easy to understand. This is undoubtedly modern music but at the same time it is wonderfully creative, thoroughly enjoyable and very interesting!Be adviced that this album has been reissued as a "Double-Decca" medium priced series CD! I've just got mine!!!"