What is your favorite Martinů symphony?

[Mirror Image]

Following up on the heels of Kyle's (Kyjo) Beethoven symphony poll, I figured I would post one about Martinů. A composer whose symphonies, by all standards, should be more widely performed. Now pick your favorite.

Personally, I'll have to think about this one for awhile. My first inclination is to go with Symphony No. 4, but I'll reserve judgement for now.

[Archaic Torso of Apollo]

My first inclination is to go with Symphony No. 4, but I'll reserve judgement for now.

A few years ago I would have gone with #4, but now I'm going with #6. It has a weirdly original hallucinatory quality that puts it on top for me.

[DavidW]

#6 for me, which is just slightly above #5.

[Mirror Image]

A few years ago I would have gone with #4, but now I'm going with #6. It has a weirdly original hallucinatory quality that puts it on top for me.

I'm torn between them all! They're all just so good! Symphony No. 2 made quite an impression on me this year. Still unsure which one I want to pick. Symphony No. 6 is, indeed, a fine symphony.

[Daverz]

I don't understand the need to pick a favorite.

[Mirror Image]

I don't understand the need to pick a favorite.

It's just for fun, Daverz.

[kyjo]

Tough choice (especially between nos. 4-6), but I ended up going with no. 6. There's something really magical about this work.

[Sergeant Rock]

I don't understand the need to pick a favorite.

There is no need to choose...but if one has a favorite, here's the place to proclaim it 

Sarge

[Karl Henning]

There is no need to choose...but if one has a favorite, here's the place to proclaim it 

Sarge

Good, plain sense, as ever

[Sergeant Rock]

The 1942 First 

Sarge, of the plain and dreadfully common sense

[Karl Henning]

Sarge, the guy who voted Eroica and then the Eighth

[Brian]

This one's tough. No. 2 might be my favorite - it's the one I play most - but I feel guilty about picking the "lightweight" of the six. Also love 3 and 4, and listen to 2-4 more than 1/5/6.

I'll wait a day or two and if 4 is doing well in the polls, I'll cast a vote for 2 so it has some support. 

[DavidW]

I feel guilty about picking the "lightweight" of the six.

Well the cat's out of the bag so you might as well vote for your favorite!

[kyjo]

I don't understand the need to pick a favorite.

I don't understand the need for you to ruin the fun!

[vandermolen]

Without a doubt it is Martin Turnovsky's recording of Symphony No 4, originally on Supraphon but now dirt cheap on a Warner Apex CD. The second movement has a propulsive quality unlike any other recording I know, the slow movement is very moving and the 'triumph over the odds' conclusion is incredibly inspiriting and life-affirming.

[kyjo]

Without a doubt it is Martin Turnovsky's recording of Symphony No 4, originally on Supraphon but now dirt cheap on a Warner Apex CD. The second movement has a propulsive quality unlike any other recording I know, the slow movement is very moving and the 'triumph over the odds' conclusion is incredibly inspiriting and life-affirming.

Yep, I almost chose no. 4. A life-affirming work for sure-that scherzo is something else!

[Mirror Image]

I'm still undecided about which Martinu symphony I should pick.

[vandermolen]

 

I'm still undecided about which Martinu symphony I should pick.

Maybe because they are all of a uniformly high standard. I like them all but was turned on to Martinu by hearing Turnovsky's version of No 4, so I guess that I have a residual loyalty to that one in particular.

[Karl Henning]

A decent interval having passed . . . .

[Sergeant Rock]

No love for my favorites (1, 2, 5) ...at least not enough love 

Sarge