Search - Paul Hindemith, Yan Pascal Tortelier, BBC Philharmonic :: Paul Hindemith: Concert Music for Strings & Brass, Op. 50 / Concerto for Violin & Orchestra / Symphonic Metamorphoses on Themes of Carl Maria von Weber

A Super Hindemith Program

M. C. Passarella | Lawrenceville, GA | 06/08/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Here's a winning program: one of Hindemith's very greatest hits plus two works heard less often but nonetheless thoroughly worthwhile. Of those two, the Concert Music is hardly unfamiliar and here is given an all-out performance that should put it on your Hindemith hit list if it isn't already.



The Concerto is probably underappreciated but deserves respect, especially in a performance such as this one. Leonidas Kavakos brings great energy and concentration to the solo part, and he is backed every step of the way by a lively and colorful accompaniment from Tortelier and his forces. Kavakos may produce a small tone, but it is perfectly centered and unfailing sweet, which it needs to be in the many ruthlessly exposed sections that Hindemith offers up despite a large and stentorian orchestral backdrop. The Concerto might overstay its welcome in spots, the last movement seeming a mite repetitious even if the development, with its rigorous counterpoint, is sound as the dollar (or more so).



The Symphonic Metamorphoses don't exactly play themselves but are usually the highlight of any disc, and here they do indeed shine in a finely enjoyable performance. But I'm happy to report that the Concert Music is just as dandy, the jazzy inflections in the trumpets properly raucous, the strings powerfully underpinning all. Great stereo here from the Chandos engineers too. In all, I recommend this disc heartily to you and your sound system."