CCCLXXXIV. HINDEMITH, Paul: Trauermusik

CCCLXXXIV. HINDEMITH, Paul (1895-1963)

Trauermusik (1936)
1. Langsam
2. Ruhig bewegt
3. Lebhaft (Vivo)
4. Sehr langsam (Largo): CHORAL: "Für deinen Thron tret ich hiermit"
Antoine Tamestit, viola
Frankfurt Radio Symphony Orchestra
Paavo Järvi, cond.
(9:16)

Hindemith was taught as a violinist, but soon became enamoured of the larger and more burnished-toned viola.

On January 19, 1936, Hindemith travelled to London to play his viola concerto, Der Schwanendreher (1935) in a concert with the BBC Orchestra, scheduled for the 22nd. This would have been the British premiere of that concerto.

However, just before midnight on January 20th, King George V had the temerity to pass away. (Too soon? 😐)

The debate went on -- what to do, what to play? It was finally decided that Hindemith should write something new -- on the spot -- for the funereal occasion.

So sitting in a BBC office, he composed the Trauermusik (Funeral Music) from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., in homage to the late king.