The Temptation of Paul Hindemith

Download or read book The Temptation of Paul Hindemith written by Siglind Bruhn and published by Pendragon Press. This book was released on 1998 with total page 442 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Focuses on the five-tiered representational structure in which the hermit's conflict and vindication present themselves through Hindemith's opera. Bruhn argues that the opera presents something akin to a confession of the composer's inner conflicts and his decision not to become involved in the Nazi confrontation. Three sections discuss: the dilemma of social responsibility vs. the eremitic quest in the lives of Saint Antony of Egypt, the fictional painter Mathis, and Paul Hindemith; hermits, anchorites, and ascetics as portrayed in literature, art, and music; and the form, content, and interpretation of Mathis der Maler. Appendices include synopses and translations of several operas by Hindemith. Annotation copyrighted by Book News, Inc., Portland, OR