Hindemith flute sonata

Hindemith flute sonata was written by Paul Hindemith (November 16, 1895 – December 28, 1963), one of the most significant German composers of the 20th century. He composed in diverse styles, exploring Baroque counterpoint, Romantic lyricism, Expressionism, and everything in between.

Nazi suppression and condemnation of his work forced him to flee the country in 1940, first to Switzerland, and ultimately to the United States where he became a U.S. citizen and spent many years teaching at Yale University. He returned to Europe in 1953 for the final 10 years of his life.

A prolific composer, he wrote for solo instruments, chamber ensembles, and symphony orchestras. It was his decision to write a sonata for every instrument that gave the flute world his Flute Sonata in 1936. It brims with emotion and feeling, and challenges the flutist technically and interpretively.

Neoclassical in style, the piece reflects his tense relationship with the Nazis.

1 - The first movement is lyrical, yet scattered, moving, slowing, then finishing with a bright ending. Illustrative of Hindemith's world. 2 - The second movement is pensive and introspective, perhaps ruminating on pending doom. 3 - The final movement, a march, is a sarcastic "tribute" to the Nazi iron fist that gripped the world. Lively and triumphant in nature, yet foreboding of future events.

Yet from the sadness of World War II, we have this beautiful work for the flute repertoire and a piece of flute history.

Movement 1 - Heiter bewegt (moving cheerfully)

Movement 2 - Sehr langsam (very slowly)
Movement 3 - Sehr lebhaft—Marsch (very lively march)

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