Paul Hindemith

Paul Hindemith was one of the principal German composers of the first half of the 20th century and a leading musical theorist. One of Hindemith’s most impactful contributions was his promotion of Gebrauchsmusik.

Born 16 November 1895 in Hanau, Germany
Died 29 December 1963 in Frankfurt am Main, Germany

Professor of Composition:
Musikhochschule, Berlin 1927–1937

Professor:
Yale University 1940–1953,
Zürich University 1950–1957
Also active as conductor

Honorary Doctorate:
Freie Universität Berlin

Works

eleven operas
five ballets
oratorio
five symphonies
numerous solo concertos
six string quartets and other chamber music
piano and vocal music
music for teaching purposes

Awards and honors

Howland Memorial Prize 1940, awarded by Yale University
Elected to American Academy of Arts and Sciences 1940
Bach Prize of the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg 1951
Order Pour le Mérite 1952
Goethe Plaque of the City of Frankfurt 1955
Elected to the American Philosophical Society 1962
Balzan Prize 1963