Music Matters: Solo Suites by Bach & Hindemith

Maren Rothfritz, viola by Falk Peters, Aachen (2008)
Solo Suites of Bach and Hindemith

J. S. Bach Solo Viola Suite, after the Cello Suite No. 5 in c, BWV 1011
J. S. Bach & Paul Hindemith
A polychrome tapestry merging a Bach cello suite and Hindemith’s powerful viola suite

Heard solo, the viola has a remarkable, commanding presence. Deeply committed German-American violist Maren Rothfritz has immersed herself in idiomatic transcriptions of signal works of the Baroque – think Bach, of course. She is also a leading explorer of solo repertoire from the early 20th century. Bach cello suites, recast for the viola, don brilliant new plumage and weave a scintillating fabric, at once familiar and exotic. Violist-composer Paul Hindemith, like his near-contemporary Max Reger, brought soaring, keenly emotional soundscapes to life in exquisite solo string suites. Maren Rothfritz and her resonant instrument make an appealing case for this rare repertoire, whose magic and power downright startle us.

Tickets $20; $25 at the door. All seating is unreserved: first come, first served. Doors open 1/2 hour before the start of the concert. You don’t need a paper ticket – simply give your name at the door.