4 Sonatas for Viola Solo

The works on this CD are evidence of Paul Hindemith's love for the viola, an instrument of which he was a keen professional player (he was leader of the violas in the Frankfurt Opera Orchestra) and for which he wrote a considerable amount of music. The Viola Sonatas were written as "Gebrauchsmusik", not intended for the concert hall, pure music written to create approachable music for as many people as possible. In all these works Hindemith's particular style shines through: from the strict neo-classicism, the "Neue Sachlichkeit" to vigorous expressionism, all sharing his joy of invention and creation. o Played by master violist Luca Ranieri, one of Italy's foremost violists. The excellent booklet notes are in English and Italian.