Paul Hindemith, Kashkashian, Levin : Sonatas For Viola, Piano And Viola Alone - 3x LP 180g Vinyl

The sound quality is good and the performances are excellent. I recently had the opportunity to compare Kashkashian's performance with Hindemith's own 1930s recording and while I naturally give props to Hindemith for recording his own work I like Kashkashian's performance of the Op. 24 viola sonata more-- not just for sound but for the speed and fire she puts into the wild fourth movement. Hindemith's contribution to viola repertoire is probably the single most important one of the 20th century and this is probably the best available recording of his works. It includes all the solo and with-piano works on just two discs. It's also nice that Kashkashian and Levin recorded the viola works that were unpublished during Hindemith's lifetime, giving us a fuller insight into his work for the instrument than we might otherwise hear.

As usual, Kim Kashkashian's playing and interpretations are spot-on! She is a joy to listen to, and a great artistic role model to aspire to. I highly recommend this recording.

This album has been one of the staples of my listening environment for over twenty years. The music is austere, granitic, and will not immediately engage some listeners (my elderly father, mistaking the opening track for a modern composition, once sneered that only pretentious trendies could possibly feign a liking for such noise. He did not believe me when I told him that he was three years old when it was composed). Those who give it a fair hearing will find that where an initially intellectual interest is piqued the emotions will shortly, and deeply, follow. I have a largish musical library (around 800 discs), and were I compelled to sell it off, this title would be among the last dozen to go. Highest recommendation.