Hindemith’s Harp Sonata: Songs and Images

German composer Paul Hindemith (1895-1963) had a deep fascination for the colours and technical capabilities of musical devices.

Principally a violinist and violist, Hindemith was proficient on quite a few different devices, together with the piano, bassoon, clarinet, and cello. He composed greater than forty sonatas which encompassed practically each normal orchestral instrument. His orchestral music unfolds with a sonorous majesty. The composer thought of most of the sonatas to be technical workout routines, written concurrently with bigger works.

Hindemith composed his Harp Sonata in October of 1939 whereas residing in Bluche, Switzerland. Conceived on the outbreak of the Second World Struggle, it’s music which gives a way of celestial escape. Some commentators counsel that, for Hindemith, the work evoked extramusical imagery. The primary motion (Präludium) recommended a mighty cathedral bathed in late afternoon daylight, whereas the second motion (Arioso) represented the exuberant play of youngsters within the churchyard. Some listeners hear echos of the cathedral’s mighty organ in each actions.

The ultimate motion (Lied: Sehr langsam) is a tune, primarily based on a poem (Lied) by Ludwig Hölty (1748-1776). The phrases of the poem, which relate to loss of life and remembrance, correspond with the rhythm of the higher voice, but stay unsung or spoken. The Lied is the Sonata’s quiet epilogue.

I. Mäßig schnell:

II. Lebhaft:

III. Lied: “Ihr Freunde, hänget” (L. H. Chr. Hölty), Sehr langsam:

Expensive pals, when I’ve departed,

Place the little harp behind the altar,

The place on the wall, the wreaths

of Many younger maidens gleam.

Then, the sexton exhibits the little harp

To the pleasant traveller, and the Crimson ribbon,

twined across the harp,

Rustles and flutters under the golden strings

Usually at sundown – he says with awe,

The strings hum quietly like bees,

And the youngsters, listening to the sounds

Run in from the churchyard and

See the wreaths quivering

Recordings

• Hindemith: Harp Sonata in G Main, IPH. 52, Anaïs Gaudemard Harmonia Mundi

Featured Picture: Paul Hindemith on the rostrum (1950), Rudolf Heinisch

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