For some of us who struggle with his music, Paul Hindemith (1895-1963) comes into his own in his compositions for the viola – whether with orchestra, piano or unaccompanied. He was a professional player himself, and wrote many works for the instrument. In the hands of the Berlin-based virtuoso Tabea Zimmermann and her pianist Thomas Hoppe, the romantic richness of the early Op 11 sonatas (nos 4 and 5) are given full rein. The sometimes abrasive, ever poignant melancholy of the solo works, especially the 1937 sonata, is ardent and startling. Hindemith is blessed with exceptional interpreters. They command you to listen.