Selected letters of Paul Hindemith

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Paul Hindemith had a diverse career as a renowned composer, performer, festival organizer, teacher, lecturer, and writer. Born in Germany in 1895, he was a prominent figure in the musical avant-garde, but his works were later banned by the Nazis as "decadent art." In 1938, he voluntarily exiled to Switzerland, and in 1940, he migrated to the United States, where he became a citizen. His return to Europe post-war, prompted by calls to help rebuild its musical landscape, led to significant emotional struggles. This collection of letters spans his entire career, from World War I until shortly before his death in 1963. Translated and edited by a leading authority, these letters—some in English—show Hindemith as an observant and engaging correspondent with a strong interest in contemporary culture and politics. This first selection in English addresses personal and professional matters, directed to his wife, publishers, and friends in Europe and America. He interacted with notable figures, including composers Stravinsky and Milhaud, conductors Mengelberg, Furtwängler, Koussevitzky, and Klemperer, and choreographers Massine and Balanchine. Published to mark the centenary of Hindemith's birth, these letters enrich our understanding of his life and times.