Paul Hindemith and the Viola“ – An Exhibition at the Alte Oper Frankfurt

Paul Hindemith with viola 1937

„Did you know that I hardly ever play the violin? I have completely plunged into playing the viola and play the violin only in cases of extreme emergency.“ Thus Hindemith announced his switch in 1919 to the alto-range string instrument – which became „his instrument“ from that point onwards. With a total of seven sonatas, four concertos and several chamber compositions, he composed pioneering works for the viola – which until then had been rather neglected by composers as a solo instrument. As an internationally successful violist, moreover, he belonged to the very greatest of his guild. On view are original exhibits and facsimiles documenting Hindemith‘s work as a composer for the viola and his decade-long career as a soloist. 

The musical framework of the exhibition opening will be provided by Tabea Zimmermann with Hindemith‘s Sonata for Solo Viola (1937). As Museum Soloist in 2015/16 at the Frankfurter Museums-Gesellschaft , she will also perform Hindemith‘s Trauermusik on 5 and 6 June 2016 together with the Concerto for Viola and Orchestra by William Walton.

 

Exhibition Opening:
4 June 2016, 1:30 PM, Hindemith Foyer of the Alte Oper Frankfurt

The exhibition may be viewed during the regular opening hours of the Alte Oper Frankfurt.