- Composer: Paul Hindemith (16 November 1895 -- 28 December 1963) - Performer: Maria Yudina - Year of recording: between 1960-1964 Piano Sonata No. 3 in B flat major, written in 1936. 00:00 - I. Ruhig bewegt 05:11 - II. Sehr lebhaft 08:24 - III. Mäßig schnell 14:57 - IV. Fuge. Lebhaft In the Piano Sonata No. 3 (perhaps his most popular keyboard work), Hindemith summons all the resources of the piano and the pianist. It is a tour-de-force of melodic inventiveness and contrapuntal wizardry. - The lilting melodies of the opening movement are reminiscent of English folksongs. As they grow, they accumulate waves of sound, then gradually vanish. Sensitive passages in parallel harmonies lend an impressionistic touch rare in Hindemith. - In total contrast, the second movement interrupts with a compulsive scherzo and a fleet-fingered trio. - There is no slow movement. Instead, Hindemith writes a movement whose determined tread and tenor range remind us of a labor union march (possibly suggesting the composer's proletarian sympathies). Its middle and concluding sections, in the "piccolo" register of the piano, offer a vision of hope. In between, there appears a shadowy fugato that is later integrated into the final movement. - The Sonata, and indeed, the cycle of the three sonatas, culminates with a magnificent triple fugue. At its conclusion, the entire piano vibrates with a radiant B-flat major chord, affirming Hindemith's philosophy of music and life.