Symphony "Mathis der Maler"
Paul Hindemith
Work background
Researched classical background
Hindemith shaped this three-movement symphony while working on his opera about the painter Matthias Grunewald. The movements correspond to images associated with the Isenheim Altarpiece: an angelic concert, an entombment, and the temptation of Saint Anthony. Musical material passed between the symphony and opera, but the orchestral work has its own concert design. Its recurring chorale-like writing gives the pictorial associations an audible counterpart.
Inspiration and creative background
Grunewald's Isenheim Altarpiece and the related opera project supply the documented subjects of the three movements.
Symphony: Mathis der Maler - LA Phil
Work identity, chronology where stated, and the specific musical or historical context summarized in this entry. | Reviewed 2026-10-19
A listening guide
Compare the outer movements' more active writing with the concentrated stillness of the central Entombment.
Listening suggestions are editorial guides to the music.
Forces: Orchestra
Composition: 1934
The symphony was assembled before Hindemith completed the related opera.
This entry describes the musical work or cycle. Composition, premiere and publication dates describe different events. Performers and recordings can be explored through the external listening search.
Also known as: Mathis the Painter Symphony
Symphony: Mathis der Maler - LA Phil
Work identity, chronology where stated, and the specific musical or historical context summarized in this entry. | Reviewed 2026-10-19
Sources for this work
Symphony: Mathis der Maler - LA Phil
Work identity, chronology where stated, and the specific musical or historical context summarized in this entry. | Reviewed 2026-10-19
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