Bohuslav Martinů (1890-1959)

[brewski]

Just popping in to say how much I'm liking all the Martinů love. Given the size of his output, and its quality, he should be appearing on recordings and concert programs a lot. (To be fair, there are many more recordings now than there were say, 40 years ago.) And average concertgoers should really at least recognize his name.

Now going to listen to the Sinfonietta "La Jolla."

OK, carry on.

-Bruce

[vers la flamme]

This was my first Martinů CD, but I haven't heard it in many many years. Getting back to it today, I'm very, very impressed with the performance!

[vers la flamme]

I was absolutely blown away by the "slow" movement of Martinu's 5th (marked Larghetto, most conductors take it kind of fast, it's more like a scherzo) this morning. It is just killer. Must be my favorite thing by him so far.

[Mapman]

I was absolutely blown away by the "slow" movement of Martinu's 5th (marked Larghetto, most conductors take it kind of fast, it's more like a scherzo) this morning. It is just killer. Must be my favorite thing by him so far.

I'll need to listen to that (and other Martinů symphonies) more in the near future. The sound-world of the 5th is fascinating!

[vers la flamme]

I ended up encoring it 3 times, just that movement, different recordings. It is so good.

I've known about Martinu for years now, but his music never made all that much sense to me until just recently. Now I can't get enough.

[jidlomonster]

If you're interested in the music of Martinů, why not explore it further by joining us at the International Martinů Circle?  You can find details of how to join here:

https://www.martinu.cz/en/imc/international-martinu-circle/

or feel free to send me an email at michael.crump@sky.com

[vandermolen]

I consider this to be one of his greatest works:

[Spotted Horses]

The Piano Concerti don't seem to get much attention. I have the the Leichner set and I've listened to the first concerto in the Naxos recording (Koukl). As far as I know there are no other complete sets, and a smattering of individual recordings.

The first concerto is an unpretentious Neo-classical/neo-baroque piece, mostly vivacious and sunny with some passages of tumult. The Koukl recording is well done, but the audio seems a bit dry and compressed. I will probably continue through the cycle alternating Koukl and Leichner.

Anyone have a favorite performance to recommend?

[DaveF]

Anyone have a favorite performance to recommend?

I've seen Rudolf Firkušný's performances recommended, although I believe he only recorded nos.2-4.  They're on my "Must hear soon" list.  No.4 is usually thought of as the masterpiece, I believe - the extraordinary opening grabs the attention and never lets go.  I seem to remember that @vandermolen is a bit of a fan.

[vandermolen]

I've seen Rudolf Firkušný's performances recommended, although I believe he only recorded nos.2-4.  They're on my "Must hear soon" list.  No.4 is usually thought of as the masterpiece, I believe - the extraordinary opening grabs the attention and never lets go.  I seem to remember that @vandermolen is a bit of a fan.

I don't know the PCs as well as the symphonies but this is a very highly regarded CD:

[Spotted Horses]

Will definitely seek out Firkunsy!

[Brian]

Yes, No. 4 in particular seems to have "broken out" in popularity compared to the other four (and it really is amazing - and short!).

Some singleton recordings I have and admire:
No. 3 - Mustonen on BIS (new this month, with Rautavaara No. 3)
No. 4 - Kahanek on Supraphon (with the Dvorak Concerto)
No. 5 - Margrit Weber on DG (with Rafael Kubelik, awkwardly coupled to the Falla)

No. 3 is the most conventionally romantic in structure, with a dramatic tone and about 28 minutes long; in that way it's a lot like the Second Violin Concerto. I have Firkusny in 2-4 and that's a classic. It does look like the Leichner complete set is my only recording of No. 1. I haven't heard it in forever and will relisten later this week; thanks for the inspiration!

[Spotted Horses]

Yes, No. 4 in particular seems to have "broken out" in popularity compared to the other four (and it really is amazing - and short!).

Some singleton recordings I have and admire:
No. 3 - Mustonen on BIS (new this month, with Rautavaara No. 3)
No. 4 - Kahanek on Supraphon (with the Dvorak Concerto)
No. 5 - Margrit Weber on DG (with Rafael Kubelik, awkwardly coupled to the Falla)

No. 3 is the most conventionally romantic in structure, with a dramatic tone and about 28 minutes long; in that way it's a lot like the Second Violin Concerto. I have Firkusny in 2-4 and that's a classic. It does look like the Leichner complete set is my only recording of No. 1. I haven't heard it in forever and will relisten later this week; thanks for the inspiration!

Thanks for pointing out the Weber, I must have it in the giant Kubelik box.

[Pohjolas Daughter]

Will definitely seek out Firkunsy!

Another vote for Firkusny from yours truly! 

PD

[Spotted Horses]

Looking at my collection, I see I also have recordings of the third concerto by Josef Palenicek with Vaclav Neumann and the forth concerto by Josef Palenicek with Jiri Pinkas. The latter is on the same Apex/Erato disc with the famous recording of the Forth Symphony with Turnovsky.

[Spotted Horses]

I must say, Firkusny's recording of the second concerto is brilliant!

[Pohjolas Daughter]

I must say, Firkusny's recording of the second concerto is brilliant!

PD

[Spotted Horses]

PD

Thanks for the recommendation!

[Karl Henning]

Thanks for the recommendation!

+ 1

[SonicMan46]

Re-posting from the listening thread - decided to listen to some 20th century music and picked Martinu, mainly because I have about two dozen discs of his music and enjoy the chamber works the most - Dave

Well, I don't spend much time w/ 20th century music, but am surprised that I own about two dozen discs of the composer below (probably the most of any composer in that century now in my collection - list in the attachment for those interested):

Martinu, Bohuslav - Chamber Music - Darlington Ensemble on the Hyperion Dyad and numerous musicians on the Naxos CD.  Will continue on w/ him this afternoon - he wrote a LOT of music (LINK), including many operas and ballets.  I've not added or culled this collection in years - comments and newer recommendations appreciated.  Dave