Paul Hindemith - Alfred Schnittke

Description

After three solo piano recordings for ECM, Anna Gourari here broadens the instrumental spectrum with the Orchestra Della Svizzera Italiana of Lugano, under the direction of Markus Poschner, in striking interpretations of Alfred Schnittke's "Concerto for Piano and String Orchestra" and Paul Hindemith's "The Four Temperaments." Gourari's virtuosic pianistic mastery and her extensive understanding of the instrument are fully showcased in Schnittke's polystylistic concerto. The orchestra also shines in a powerful interpretation of Hindemith's "Symphony Mathis der Maler." The contrasts emerge not only from the juxtaposition of the three works, but also from within the pieces themselves, which share fiery temperaments and technically demanding scores. Recorded at the Auditorio Stelio Molo in Lugano in December 2021, the album was produced by Manfred Eicher.