Hindemith Trauermusik/ Music of mourning (Schott)

Edition Schott

This edition has music for violin, viola and cello hence can be performed by any of these three instruments.  There is an accompanying piano reduction.

Written in 1936,  Trauermusik is a suite for solo viola and string orchestra.  Paul  Hindemith composed this work at very short notice to commemerate the dealth of King George the Fifth of England.  King George had died the previous evening.  Hindemith had traveled to England with the intention of performing his viola concerto Der Schwanenedreher.  The concert was cancelled due to King George's death, however the conductor Adrian Bolt still wanted Hindemith to be involved with the broadcast that was arranged instead of the planned concert.   During the day following King George's death, Hindemith wrote this suite of four short movements from 11am to 5 pm and it was performed that evening.

A recording of Trauermusic with viola performed by Hindermith

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hTPM-Ts6czo