Paul Hindemith short biography

The most outstanding violist of his time, Paul Hindemith started his career as a performing viola virtuoso, while gradually building his reputation as one of the most outstanding modern composers. Hindemith is   closely related to the principles of Gebrauchsmusik (composer as craftsman). In 1940, threatened by the Nazis, Hindemith left Germany for the States. Hindemith was appointed professor of the Yale University as well as professor of the University of Zurich.