Search - Paul Hindemith, Werner Andreas Albert, Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra :: Hindemith: Orchestral Music

A rare work for strings

Bruce Hodges | New York, NY | 05/01/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"One of my favorite LP's from the 1970's was "Modern Masterpieces for Strings" by I Soloisti di Zagreb, which contained one of the works here, the "Five Pieces for Strings." This little-played work was apparently designed for young (or amateur) players, but from the dazzling result, no listener would think that any concessions had been made. To the best of my knowledge, that recording has not made it to CD, but in the meantime, this fine version is quite satisfying.The piece is in five contrasting movements, each with its own character. I especially like the third movement, a relentless, spiky scherzo climaxing in a hailstorm of dissonance. In the final section, a solo violin sails deliriously over a rollicking and relentless part for the other strings. The "Kammermusik No. 1" has been recorded a good deal more often. This is an excellent version, even if it doesn't erase memories of the Ensemble Modern, or of Chailly and the Concertgebouw - each of whom have outstanding sets of the complete (all seven) "Kammermusik" currently available.The rest of the disc has interesting and even more unusual Hindemith pieces - perhaps not his best work but still worth hearing. The Tasmanian orchestra sounds excellent, Werner Albert's direction is expert, and CPO's recording is very natural and easy to listen to. Perhaps only for Hindemith fans, except those "Five Pieces" - certainly one of his masterworks."