Paul Hindemith: The Four Temperaments, for Piano & Strings / Piano Concerto - Siegfried Mauser

Hindemith's Piano Concerto is almost completely unknown. It's a vintage specimen of the composer's mature style, and anyone who likes Mathis der Maler or the Symphonic Metamorphoses will find it a very rewarding experience. I suppose it simply doesn't give soloists enough opportunity to show off, so they don't bother to learn it. But that doesn't mean it isn't fine music. The Four Temperaments is one of the composer's most popular works both as a ballet and a concerto for piano and string orchestra. Each section is a variation on the long opening group of themes that illustrates the "temperament" in question. A highly enjoyable piece, and these are splendid performances. --David Hurwitz