Trauermusik
Trauermusik is a suite for viola and string orchestra, written on 21 Januar… Read Full Bio ↴Trauermusik is a suite for viola and string orchestra, written on 21 January 1936 by Paul Hindemith at very short notice in memory of King George V of the United Kingdom, who died the previous night. The title means "Mourning Music" or "Funeral Music" in English, but the work is always known by its German title.
Background
On 19 January 1936, Paul Hindemith travelled to London, intending to play his viola concerto Der Schwanendreher, with Adrian Boult and the BBC Symphony Orchestra in Queen's Hall, on 22 January. This was to be the British premiere of the work.
However, just before midnight on 20 January, King George V died. The concert was cancelled, but Boult and the BBC music producer Edward Clark still wanted Hindemith's involvement in any music that was broadcast in its place. They debated for hours what might be a suitable piece, but nothing could be found, so it was decided that Hindemith should write something new. The following day, from 11 am to 5 pm, Hindemith sat in an office made available to him by the BBC and wrote Trauermusik in homage to the late king. It, too, was written for viola and orchestra. It was performed that evening in a live broadcast from a BBC radio studio, with Boult conducting and the composer as soloist.
Music
Trauermusik consists of four very short movements. The first movement is marked Langsam (Lento). The second movement (Ruhig bewegt - Poco mosso) is less than a minute in length and the third (Lebhaft - Vivo) is only slightly longer. The last movement is the heart of the work and in it, Hindemith quotes the chorale "Vor deinen Thron Tret ich hiermit" ("Here I stand before Thy throne"), well known in Germany via the harmonisation by Johann Sebastian Bach. Hindemith was unaware at the time, but the tune was very familiar in England as the "Old 100th", to the words "All creatures that on Earth do dwell".
The piece also contains quotations from Symphony: Mathis der Maler and Der Schwanendreher. Trauermusik immediately entered the repertoire of violists, as well as cellists and even violinists.
The Swiss philanthropist and music patron Werner Reinhart, to whom Hindemith had dedicated his Clarinet Quintet in 19231, later told Gertrud Hindemith "there was something Mozartian" about her husband’s writing Trauermusik in half a day, and premiering it the same day. "I know no one else today who could do that", he said.
Background
On 19 January 1936, Paul Hindemith travelled to London, intending to play his viola concerto Der Schwanendreher, with Adrian Boult and the BBC Symphony Orchestra in Queen's Hall, on 22 January. This was to be the British premiere of the work.
However, just before midnight on 20 January, King George V died. The concert was cancelled, but Boult and the BBC music producer Edward Clark still wanted Hindemith's involvement in any music that was broadcast in its place. They debated for hours what might be a suitable piece, but nothing could be found, so it was decided that Hindemith should write something new. The following day, from 11 am to 5 pm, Hindemith sat in an office made available to him by the BBC and wrote Trauermusik in homage to the late king. It, too, was written for viola and orchestra. It was performed that evening in a live broadcast from a BBC radio studio, with Boult conducting and the composer as soloist.
Music
Trauermusik consists of four very short movements. The first movement is marked Langsam (Lento). The second movement (Ruhig bewegt - Poco mosso) is less than a minute in length and the third (Lebhaft - Vivo) is only slightly longer. The last movement is the heart of the work and in it, Hindemith quotes the chorale "Vor deinen Thron Tret ich hiermit" ("Here I stand before Thy throne"), well known in Germany via the harmonisation by Johann Sebastian Bach. Hindemith was unaware at the time, but the tune was very familiar in England as the "Old 100th", to the words "All creatures that on Earth do dwell".
The piece also contains quotations from Symphony: Mathis der Maler and Der Schwanendreher. Trauermusik immediately entered the repertoire of violists, as well as cellists and even violinists.
The Swiss philanthropist and music patron Werner Reinhart, to whom Hindemith had dedicated his Clarinet Quintet in 19231, later told Gertrud Hindemith "there was something Mozartian" about her husband’s writing Trauermusik in half a day, and premiering it the same day. "I know no one else today who could do that", he said.
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Trauermusik
Paul Hindemith Lyrics
No lyrics text found for this track.
The lyrics are frequently found in the comments by searching or by filtering for lyric videos
The lyrics are frequently found in the comments by searching or by filtering for lyric videos
Christine Beckett
Tamestit has one of the most nuanced "inside of every note" sound ever. Such a range of tone and volume. And he is SO totally committed to the music, every piece, Bach, Hindemith, Ligeti, everything. Phenomenal violist, phenomenal musician. I wish I were 60 yrs younger (and had talent and discipline!) so I could study with him.
Mark Hatlestad
To imagine that this piece was written on the same day as it's premiere... such beautiful music.
bosse bergkvist
Parts copied befpre rehearsal. Also!
And Hindemith learnt the solo part!
notaire2
Beautiful performance of this neoclassical masterpiece under the flawless direction by this awesome conductor. The sweet tone of viola solo sounds truly impressive.
Steven Eldredge
I absolutely LOVE Atoine Tamestit. What a profound player, and what a gorgeous sound!
John Donnelly
Beautiful rich and colourful viola sound, Just gorgeous.
Joelle Podwysocki
Magnifique, bravo.
EVMusic
I. Langsam 0:30
II. Ruhig Bewegt 3:45
III. Lebhaft 4:27
IV: Sehr Langsam 5:37
Slayer_OT9
gracias
Apollyon, King of the Locusts
I am studying composition and I have currently as an assignment to write a piece for viola and piano. I just stumbled on Hindemith and I think I will take this piece as a sort of paragon for my assignment. I have some other pieces by Hindemith in my mind too. Anyway, this is an excellent and touching performance. Thanks for uploading!