Hindemith's lifetime was dominated by momentous historical events of the 20th century. The composer who originated from a modest background and grew up during the time of the German Empire saw his professional education overshadowed by the First World War and served as a soldier on the front during its final year. By the time of the Weimar Republic, Hindemith had become a successful young composer as part of the musical avantgarde, but during the so-called Third Reich, he suffered from the restrictive cultural politics of an inhuman state. During the Second World War, he experienced life as an immigrant, subsequently becoming involved as a globally renowned artist in the cultural renewal of Europe during the post-war period in the final phase of his life. Biography ›››
Work
No other composer of the twentieth century wrote such a comprehensive and versatile oeuvre comprising all usable genres. The operas Cardillac and Mathis der Maler are considered standard works of operatic history; the sonatas are indispensible works in the repertoire of all instrumentalists. Catalogue of works ›››
Hindemith, the Man
In 1953 Paul and Gertrud Hindemith moved into the Villa La Chance in Blonay above Lake Geneva in Switzerland. The address of this refuge was known only to their closest friends and relatives.
Today, Hindemith's private library, his picture collection and a few other objects, such as his grand piano, are kept and made accessible at the Musicological Institute of the University of Zurich, his last academic workplace.