Paul Hindemith
(1895-1963)
String Quartet in C Major, Op. 2 (1915)
String Quartet in F minor, Op. 10 (1918)
String Quartet in C Major, Op. 16 (1920)
String Quartet, Op. 22 (1921)
String Quartet, Op. 32 (1923)
String Quartet in E Flat Major (1943)
String Quartet in E Flat Major (1945)
The Danish Quartet
CPO 999287-2 3CDs
The first string quartet quartet, Opus 2, 1915 was written while Hindemith was still a student. It is full of the lush string writing most characteristic of the Late Romantic period. This quartet was long believed lost and was only published for the first time in 1994. The style is unique among Hindemith's string quartets.
After writing that quartet, Hindemith quickly developed his own individual sound which is energetic and often quite busy. Although his style sounds nothing at all like Baroque music, he frequently utilizes forms and contrapuntal devices of that period, and he displays much rhythmic vitality. Since Hindemith was also a string player, his compositions are all especially full of interest for the players, and generous to inner voices.
The excellent performers on this three-disc set are Tim Frederiksen and Arne Balk-Møller, violins; Gert-Inge Andersson, viola; and Henrik Brendstrup, cello – forming The Danish Quartet.
For much more information about the numbering of the quartets (old and new) as well as as interesting material about this prolific and fascinating composer, visit the Hindemith Foundation
