Bratsche!
Paul Hindemith: Sonata op. 11 no. 4 for viola and piano (1919) / Sonata op. 25 no. 1 for solo viola (1922) / Der Schwanendreher. Konzert nach alten Volksliedern für Solo-Bratsche und kleines Orchester (1935) / Trauermusik (1936)
Antoine Tamestit (viola), Markus Hadulla (piano), hr-Sinfonieorchester, Paavo Järvi
naïve V 5329 (2013)
Another highlight in the Hindemith Commemorative Year 2013! The young French violist interprets the early Sonata, Op. 11 No. 4 with a resonant tone and sonorous refinement. In particular, the two interpreters shape the passages that are reminiscent of Debussy in a vanquishing manner, with an intensive sound. Hadulla's accompaniment contributes a great deal to the magnificent impression made by this interpretation. It is phenomenal with what immense virtuosity and copious esprit Tamestit takes on the legendary solo viola sonata! One senses, from the first tone onwards, that everything is at stake here. The inward-looking interpretation of the slow middle section is full of even greater contrasts. Tamestit has found declared and established Hindemith afficionados with Paavo Järvi and the hr-Sinfonieorchester who support the colourful playing of the minstrel soloist with a precision that cannot be surpassed. Both the virtuoso moments of the Concerto and the natural cantabile quality of the old folksongs are impressively shown to advantage. In the Mourning Music spontaneously composed in immediate response to the death of King George V of England, the interpreters convey a pensively melancholy atmosphere, especially evoked in the final part with the chorale "Für deinen Thron tret ich hiermit" by means of the ethereal effect of the solo inserts between the choral sections.
Heinz-Jürgen Winkler