Two works for viola and orchestra, both coming from the Interbellum period. William Walton’s is from 1929, and was initially rejected for its modernity. Walton even considered rewriting it as a violin concerto, but with the help of Paul Hindemith as soloist the premiere in London was a success. Hindemith’s own work for his instrument met with more challenging circumstances: King George V had just died, and Hindemith had to write the music for the funeral. The British premiere of the Schwanendreher was cancelled. The real premiere already took place in Amsterdam in 1935.
Schwanendreher might refer to the assistant of the cook who is responsible for turning the spit that holds the roasting swan. It would fit the context, for the songs it is based on are medieval. However, it is more likely referring to a travelling musician using the hurdy-gurdy, with it’s handle in the shape of a swan’s neck. The last song of the cycle ends with the words Seid ihr nicht der Schwanendreher? (aren’t you the swan-turner?).