Chamber · Op. 24, No. 2 · 1922
Kleine Kammermusik, for wind quintet, Op. 24, No. 2
Paul Hindemith
A witty, compact five-movement suite for wind quintet by Paul Hindemith, a cornerstone of the twentieth-century chamber repertoire.
What to listen for
I. Lustig (Merrily): a bright, bustling opener where the five instruments trade quick, energetic figures back and forth.
II. Walzer (Waltz): a lopsided, playful waltz that gently pokes fun at the genre's usual elegance, with off-kilter accents.
III. Ruhig und einfach (Calm and simple): the quintet's lyrical heart, a gentle, songlike movement built around a simple, unhurried melody.
IV. Schnelle Viertel (Quick quarter notes): a brisk, driving movement built on short, repeated notes passed between the players, full of nervous energy.
V. Sehr lebhaft (Very lively): an energetic, high-spirited finale full of quick interplay between all five winds, closing the piece with wit and momentum rather than grandeur.
The story
Paul Hindemith wrote 'Kleine Kammermusik,' or 'Little Chamber Music,' for wind quintet in 1922, part of a series of works he titled Kammermusik that helped define the crisp, motor-driven neoclassical style of his early career. Scored for flute, oboe, clarinet, horn, and bassoon, it moved away from the lush emotionalism of late Romantic music toward something leaner, wittier, and more transparent. It quickly became, and remains, one of the most frequently performed original works written for wind quintet, valued for its humor, clarity, and idiomatic writing for each of the five instruments.
First time hearing it?
- About twelve minutes across five short movements, with brief pauses between them.
- Five solo wind players perform together; there is no string section.
- Playful and witty in character rather than solemn or dramatic.
- A good, accessible introduction to twentieth-century chamber music.
Written by OrchestraFinder, reviewed September 2026.