From 1919 on, Paul Hindemith’s instrument of choice as a performer was the viola, and this CD presents the “Viola Concertos” that he wrote for himself to perform. Of course they were not called concertos, but were chamber and concert music in which there was a viola concertante. A fine point, perhaps, but one, according to the jacket notes, that Hindemith upheld vehemently. At any rate, the program’s first two works, Kammermusik No. 5 and Konzertmusik Op. 48, are ones that some listeners might find more workmanlike than inspired–definitely a showcase for the soloist’s abilities but often too busy and involved with contrapuntal games and resolution to present any interesting melodies. Although Der Schwanendreher is a great improvement in this respect and is quite enjoyable, it is the Trauermusik from 1935–a plaintive, profound, and expressive elegy for viola and string orchestra–that makes the best impression. Violist Brett Dean knows his way around his instrument and is equally assured in his knowledge of Hindemith’s music. He makes as strong a case for these pieces as any accomplished soloist could. Werner Andreas Albert conducts with authority and secures good playing from his Australian orchestra. This is about the best recording I have heard thus far from “down under”, with rich sonorities and excellent dynamic range–another successful entry in Albert’s ongoing Hindemith series for CPO.
