These canons now published for the first time document Hindemith's fondness of composing little parodistic works with a wink on certain occasions. More than 30 artistic postcard-sized works were written by the composer. In strict counterpoint, he used them to convey season's greetings, congratulations on birthdays and anniversaries, and thanks to friends, colleagues and cultural institutions.

Some of these witty and entertaining pieces have been released on recordings several times, but they ...