ERNST TOCH (1887-1964): Die chinesische Flöte for Soprano and Orchestra (Elfride Trötschel. Rec. Feb. 22, 1949), PAUL HINDEMITH (1895-1963): Die junge Magd, Op. 23/2 for Contralto, Flute, Clarinet and String Quartet (Ruth Lange. Rec. Sept. 15, 1948).

Description: Hindemith's setting of six poems by the Expressionist Georg Trakl and Toch's of three Hans Bethge translations of Chinese poetry both date from 1922. The former uses expressionistic musical means of the sort abroad at the time while Toch's is more in the Mahlerian tradition, with a richly evocative, subtle, variegated instrumentation which would sound ethereal in a modern recording. A 44-page booklet with dozens of color and black-and-white photos sets these 1948 radio recordings in their post-war historical context. Eleven minutes of interviews (English translations provided) with the two female soloists made in 1957 and 1963 round out an important historical document. English translations. Staatskapelle Dresden Chamber Orchestra; Hans Löwlein, Joseph Keilberth (Hindemith).