Bohuslav Martinů (1890-1959)

[SymphonicAddict]

Speaking of ballets, it'd be nice if Supraphon would issue this recording on CD:

Now this is something interesting. For the name it must be a very exotic score.

[Mirror Image]

Now this is something interesting. For the name it must be a very exotic score.

Indeed. Too bad there's no CD release of it.

[SurprisedByBeauty]

Opinions on the various Martinu complete symphony sets out there? I have heard bits of the Bryden Thomson and the Jiri Belohlavek (sp?) and really enjoyed what I heard of each, great sound both. I have a disc of Karel Ancerl conducting Martinu's 5th and 6th, and it's really good, but the sound is rough even by mid-1950s standards.

If you've not come across it, this might be of a bit of help in getting an overview:



A Survey of Martinů Symphony Cycles

Different recommendations are indicated.

As far as individual performances go, I think the most consensus can probably be found on the Turnovsky 4.

[Mirror Image]

As far as individual performances go, I think the most consensus can probably be found on the Turnovsky 4.

Yep, this seems to the case, indeed. I mean it's an incredible performance. I wish Turnovský had conducted all of the symphonies, because, if he did, that cycle would be the definitive one without a doubt in my mind.

[Mirror Image]

I have been thoroughly enjoying Neumann's Martinů symphony cycle on Supraphon. I have just come to accept his approach as an alternative to the other other cycles I love so much like Bělohlávek and Järvi. Neumann really succeeds in Symphonies Nos. 3, 5, & 6 where much of the music relies on atmosphere and color. While he lacks the edge of Bělohlávek and Järvi, I have to say his performances, while not immediate first choices with the exception of the 5th, he really gives this music a looser feel and, again, the textural aspect of the performances make up for these noticeable shortcomings.

Edit: I had a bit of change of heart with Neumann's Martinů. [See listening thread.]

[springrite]

Now this is something interesting. For the name it must be a very exotic score.

It has to be better than the movie, of course...

[vandermolen]

I have been thoroughly enjoying Neumann's Martinů symphony cycle on Supraphon. I have just come to accept his approach as an alternative to the other other cycles I love so much like Bělohlávek and Järvi. Neumann really succeeds in Symphonies Nos. 3, 5, & 6 where much of the music relies on atmosphere and color. While he lacks the edge of Bělohlávek and Järvi, I have to say his performances, while not immediate first choices with the exception of the 5th, he really gives this music a looser feel and, again, the textural aspect of the performances make up for these noticeable shortcomings.

Edit: I had a bit of change of heart with Neumann's Martinů. [See listening thread.]

I've always thought highly of that cycle - must give it another listen to. I liked those cover designs with 'Martian-like' figures:

[springrite]

I have been thoroughly enjoying Neumann's Martinů symphony cycle on Supraphon. I have just come to accept his approach as an alternative to the other other cycles I love so much like Bělohlávek and Järvi. Neumann really succeeds in Symphonies Nos. 3, 5, & 6 where much of the music relies on atmosphere and color. While he lacks the edge of Bělohlávek and Järvi, I have to say his performances, while not immediate first choices with the exception of the 5th, he really gives this music a looser feel and, again, the textural aspect of the performances make up for these noticeable shortcomings.

Edit: I had a bit of change of heart with Neumann's Martinů. [See listening thread.]

Martinu's music is open to so many different interpretations and they all may have their merits. My introduction was the Neumann, before I obtained the Jarvi cycle, which became my reference (because it's my first CD cycle). Later I have the Belohlavek and others... At different times I have liked different versions. The only one I did not like at all is the one by Flor.

[Mirror Image]

I've always thought highly of that cycle - must give it another listen to. I liked those cover designs with 'Martian-like' figures:

Martinu's music is open to so many different interpretations and they all may have their merits. My introduction was the Neumann, before I obtained the Jarvi cycle, which became my reference (because it's my first CD cycle). Later I have the Belohlavek and others... At different times I have liked different versions. The only one I did not like at all is the one by Flor.

Yeah, I definitely see the merits in Neumann's performances as they rely so much on atmosphere which gives the music a different feeling.

[Maestro267]

After seeing much enthusiastic conversation in this thread in recent days, and having already told of my previous experience with these symphonies, I have taken the plunge and ordered the Järvi/Bamberg cycle.

[Mirror Image]

After seeing much enthusiastic conversation in this thread in recent days, and having already told of my previous experience with these symphonies, I have taken the plunge and ordered the Järvi/Bamberg cycle.

Very nice! I hope you enjoy it.

Edit:

A quick question, did you buy them individually or a box set (issued on BIS and reissued on Brilliant Classics)?

[pjme]

I've always thought highly of that cycle - must give it another listen to. I liked those cover designs with 'Martian-like' figures:

They are made by Jan Zrzavý


Czech painter and illustrator.
Born 5 November 1890 in Vadín, Okrouhlice (near Německý Brod, presently Havlíčkův Brod; Bohemia, former Austro-Hungarian Empire), died 12 October 1977 in Prague (former Czechoslovakia).

http://www.pesek.wz.cz/okrouhlice/english/zrzavy.htm

Lovely:

[Mirror Image]

They are made by Jan Zrzavý


Czech painter and illustrator.
Born 5 November 1890 in Vadín, Okrouhlice (near Německý Brod, presently Havlíčkův Brod; Bohemia, former Austro-Hungarian Empire), died 12 October 1977 in Prague (former Czechoslovakia).

http://www.pesek.wz.cz/okrouhlice/english/zrzavy.htm

Lovely:

I think Zrzavý is the Martinů artist. The association certainly is undeniable, especially when they were actually close friends who kept an ongoing correspondence with each other.

[pjme]

Indeed:

[Mirror Image]

I personally feel that anyone coming to Martinů's symphonies for the first-time would do well with the Järvi cycle. Believe it or not, Järvi wasn't my first cycle of these symphonies, Bryden Thomson on Chandos was and for awhile, I thought very highly of Thomson. Now, I consider him just way too aggressive (in the most negative sense possible) and too strident to the fact that the music loses much of its' color and character. Järvi's performances can be a bit brash, but there's a certain lyricism in his interpretations that make the music come alive and, as Jens wrote in his description of this cycle, rather exciting.

[vandermolen]

They are made by Jan Zrzavý


Czech painter and illustrator.
Born 5 November 1890 in Vadín, Okrouhlice (near Německý Brod, presently Havlíčkův Brod; Bohemia, former Austro-Hungarian Empire), died 12 October 1977 in Prague (former Czechoslovakia).

http://www.pesek.wz.cz/okrouhlice/english/zrzavy.htm

Lovely:

How extremely interesting! Thank you so much for posting this. I had no idea of his friendship with Martinu. Furthermore I think that his paintings are excellent. I like them all but especially The Sermon on the Mount and the portrait of the young Martinu. A new artist for me to discover. Thanks again.

I found this on You Tube:
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=sPXkq18pbn8

Can't understand any of it unfortunately but nice visual images.

[pjme]

Yes, it was a discovery for me aswell. My thanks go to Mirror!

I will listen to Martinu's youthfull cantata Czech rhapsody for baritone, chorus, orchestra and organ. It's full of (religious-nationalistic) pathos and grand gestures in the best late Romantic tradition. I love it. The closing pages - a huge hymn - I find irresistable.
Turn up the stereo system to FFFF and enjoy.

[Karl Henning]

Yes, it was a discovery for me aswell. My thanks go to Mirror!

I will listen to Martinu's youthfull cantata Czech rhapsody for baritone, chorus, orchestra and organ. It's full of (religious-nationalistic) pathos and grand gestures in the best late Romantic tradition. I love it. The closing pages - a huge hymn - I find irresistable.
Turn up the stereo system to FFFF and enjoy.

Sweet!

[Maestro267]

Very nice! I hope you enjoy it.

Edit:

A quick question, did you buy them individually or a box set (issued on BIS and reissued on Brilliant Classics)?

I've ordered the Brilliant Classics box.

[Mirror Image]

Yes, it was a discovery for me aswell. My thanks go to Mirror!

I will listen to Martinu's youthfull cantata Czech rhapsody for baritone, chorus, orchestra and organ. It's full of (religious-nationalistic) pathos and grand gestures in the best late Romantic tradition. I love it. The closing pages - a huge hymn - I find irresistable.
Turn up the stereo system to FFFF and enjoy.

Yes, even though the Czech Rhapsody doesn't have that unmistakable rhythmic snap that so much of Martinů's later music does, I still find it a compelling work. I should revisit it as it's probably been a few years since I've heard it. Glad you enjoyed it, pjme!