Bohuslav Martinů (1890-1959)

[Mirror Image]

Mirror Image--Yes, in their Beethoven, the Prazak Quartet has a tendency towards over emphasis and exaggeration.  Some can find the accents over done.  I didn't notice this problem with their Martinu recordings.  But, as I said, I don't know any other Martinu SQ recordings, so I'll have to try to hear another set (or two), & compare.

Yes, I thought the documentary on the discovery of H 136 was very well done, and a nice added bonus to the Alpha set. 

Thanks for you reply.

You're welcome. If you're happy with your current set of Martinu SQs then stick with it unless you really want to buy another set, so if you do I recommend the Panocha on Supraphon. Since you like Czech performances (and who doesn't?), have you heard this recording?

[asin]B000S6NSF0[/asin]

I think you'll find these performances right up your alley. The performance of the String Sextet alone is worth the price of admission IMHO.

[Mirror Image]

Compositional Spotlight:

String Sextet, H 224



Sextet for Strings of 1932 reflects his maturing style, based on principles of balance and symmetry. A central movement combining a lyrical Andantino and tantalizingly brief scherzo is flanked by outer movements of characteristic energy. In common with other composers of his generation (and in sharp contrast to Dvořák) melody is replaced by a tight network of short motifs, propelling the music toward through constant change. Amongst all the activity there are memorable open spaces - music for a single instrument, unison writing and unexpected moments of harmonic simplicity. The Sextet won Martinů a prize of $1000 from the funds of Elizabeth Sprague Coolidge.

[http://database.martinu.cz/works/public_view/184]

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A remarkable achievement from Martinů. There's a ferocious energy to this work, but there's also a brooding kind of atmosphere to it. There are some moments of relief. This work in some ways reminds me of Honegger's Symphony No. 2 in the sense that it seems to share an unrelenting, sinister mood. Of course, the Martinů work was composed before Honegger's well-known symphony. It seems that the Sextet acted as a vessel to which Martinů could vent some deep-seated anger and perhaps he felt that he needed to get this out of him before he could move onto another work? Whatever the case may be, for those that haven't heard it, please check it out.

[SymphonicAddict]

Compositional Spotlight:

String Sextet, H 224



Sextet for Strings of 1932 reflects his maturing style, based on principles of balance and symmetry. A central movement combining a lyrical Andantino and tantalizingly brief scherzo is flanked by outer movements of characteristic energy. In common with other composers of his generation (and in sharp contrast to Dvořák) melody is replaced by a tight network of short motifs, propelling the music toward through constant change. Amongst all the activity there are memorable open spaces - music for a single instrument, unison writing and unexpected moments of harmonic simplicity. The Sextet won Martinů a prize of $1000 from the funds of Elizabeth Sprague Coolidge.

[http://database.martinu.cz/works/public_view/184]

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A remarkable achievement from Martinů. There's a ferocious energy to this work, but there's also a brooding kind of atmosphere to it. There are some moments of relief. This work in some ways reminds me of Honegger's Symphony No. 2 in the sense that it seems to share an unrelenting, sinister mood. Of course, the Martinů work was composed before Honegger's well-known symphony. It seems that the Sextet acted as a vessel to which Martinů could vent some deep-seated anger and perhaps he felt that he needed to get this out of him before he could move onto another work? Whatever the case may be, for those that haven't heard it, please check it out.

The string sextet is a big champion among my favorite works by Martinu. It's a work I enjoy a lot. The work shows how creative Martinu was, a human being full of vigorous ideas. It's really admirable the Martinu's capacity of creating works with a distinguished 'personality'.

[Mirror Image]

The string sextet is a big champion among my favorite works by Martinu. It's a work I enjoy a lot. The work shows how creative Martinu was, a human being full of vigorous ideas. It's really admirable the Martinu's capacity of creating works with a distinguished 'personality'.

In full agreement here. The String Sextet is a masterwork.

[Mirror Image]

My Martinu collection:

Complete symphony sets:

- Neeme Järvi, Bamberg SO, BIS, 3-CDs
- Cornelius Meister, ORF Vienna Radio SO, Capriccio, 3-CDs
- Bryden Thomson, Royal Scottish National Orch., Chandos, 3-CDs
- Vaclav Neumann, Czech Philharmonic Orch., Supraphon, 3-CDs
- Jiří Bělohlávek, BBC SO, Onyx, 3-CDs
- Vladimir Valek, Prague Radio SO, Supraphon, 3-CDs

Misc. box sets:

- Complete String Quartets: Panocha Quartet, Supraphon, 3-CDs
- Complete String Quartets: Stamitz Quartet, Bayer, 3-CDs
- Music for Violin and Piano (Complete): Bohuslav Matoušek (violin), Petr Adamec (piano), Supraphon, 4-CDs

Opera sets/single issues:

- Julietta: various soloists, Jaroslav Krombholc, Chorus of the National Theatre, PragueOrchestra of the National Theatre, Prague, Supraphon, 3-CDs
- The Greek Passion: various soloists, Sir Charles Mackerras, Czech Philharmonic Chorus, Brno State Philharmonic Orch., Supraphon, 2-CDs
- Ariane: various soloists, Vaclav Neumann, Czech Philharmonic Chorus, Czech Philharmonic Orch., Supraphon
- Ariane (coupled w/ Double Concerto): various soloists, Tomáš Netopil, Essener Philharmoniker, Supraphon
- Les Larmes du couteau, The Voice of the Forest: various soloists, Jiří Bělohlávek, The Prague Philharmonia, Supraphon
- Les Trois Souhaits ou Les vicissitudes de la vie: various soloists, Vaclav Nosek, Brno Janáček Opera Chorus, Brno Janáček Opera Orch., Supraphon
- The Miracle of Our Lady, various soloists, Jiří Bělohlávek, Prague Radio Chorus, Prague Symphony Orch., Supraphon, 2-CDs

Concertos/Ballets/Misc. Orchestral:

- Symphony No. 1, Violin Concerto No. 2, Lorenzo Gatto, Walter Weller, National Orch. of Belgium, Fuga Libera
- Symphony No. 2, (coupled with Dvořák's Symphony No. 9, "From the New World"), Paavo Järvi, Cincinnati Symphony Orch., Telarc
- Symphony No. 4, Estampes, Le Depart (from Les Trois Souhaits ou Les vicissitudes de la vie), Walter Weller, National Orch. of Belgium, Fuga Libera
- Symphony No. 4 (coupled with Brahms' Symphony No. 1), Klaus Tennstedt, Stuttgart Radio Symphony Orch., ICA Classics
- Symphony No. 4, Tre Ricercari, Piano Concerto No. 4 "Incantation," Martin Turnovský, Jiří Pinkas, Josef Páleníček, Czech Philharmonic Orch. Brno State Philharmonic Orch., Apex
- Symphony Nos. 5 & 6, Memorial to Lidice, Karel Ančerl, Czech Philharmonic Orch., Supraphon
- Symphony No. 6, "Fantaisies symphoniques" (coupled with Piston, Menotti), Charles Munch, Boston Symphony Orch., RCA
- Symphonies Nos. 1 & 2, Claus Peter Flor, Berlin Symphony Orch., RCA
- Symphonies Nos. 5 & 6, Claus Peter Flor, Berlin Symphony Orch., RCA
- Symphonies Nos. 3 & 4, Jiří Bělohlávek, Czech Philharmonic Orch., Supraphon
- Symphonies Nos. 5 & 6, Jiří Bělohlávek, Czech Philharmonic Orch., Supraphon
- Symphony No. 1, Double Concerto: Jiří Bělohlávek, Czech Philharmonic Orch., Chandos
- Field Mass, Memorial to Lidice, Symphony No. 4, various soloists, Jiří Bělohlávek, Czech Philharmonic Chorus, Czech Philharmonic Orch., Chandos
- Symphony No. 6, "Fantaisies symphoniques" (coupled with Janáček's Sinfonietta), Jiří Bělohlávek, Czech Philharmonic Orch., Chandos
- Piano Concertos Nos. 1-5, Piano Concertino, Emil Leichner, Jiří Bělohlávek, Czech Philharmonic Orch., Supraphon, 2-CDs
- Cello Concertos Nos. 1 & 2, Cello Concertino, Raphael Wallfisch, Jiří Bělohlávek, Czech Philharmonic Orch., Chandos
- Violin Concerto No. 2, Toccata e due canzoni, Serenada No. 2 for Strings, Isabelle Faust, Cédric Tiberghien, Jiří Bělohlávek, Prague Philharmonia, Harmonia Mundi
- Who is the Most Powerful in the World?, Jiří Bělohlávek, Prague Symphony Orch., Supraphon
- The Butterfly that Stamped, Jiří Bělohlávek, Prague Symphony Orch., Supraphon
- Checking the King, The Revolt, Jiří Bělohlávek, Prague Symphony Orch., Supraphon
- Rhapsody-Concerto, chamber works w/ viola and/or piano/violin, Maxim Rysanov, Katya Apekisheva, Alexander Sitkovetsky, Jiří Bělohlávek, BBC Symphony Orch., BIS
- Overture, Rhapsody, Sinfonia Concertante, The Parables, etc., Jiří Bělohlávek, Czech Philharmonic Orch., Supraphon
- Estampes, The Parables, Rhapsody, Jiří Bělohlávek, Czech Philharmonic Orch., Supraphon
- Piano Concertos Nos. 2 & 4, Overture, Les fresques de Piero della Francesca, Robert Kolinsky, Vladimir Ashkenazy, Sinfonieorchester Basel, Ondine
- Pianos Concertos Nos. 2-4, Rudolf Firkušný, Libor Pešek, Czech Philharmonic Orch., RCA
- The Complete Music for Violin & Orchestra, Vol. 1, Bohuslav Matoušek, Janne Thomsen, Régis Pasquier, Jennifer Koh, Christopher Hogwood, Czech Philharmonic Orch., Hyperion
- The Complete Music for Violin & Orchestra, Vol. 2, Bohuslav Matoušek, Karel Košárek, Christopher Hogwood, Czech Philharmonic Orch., Hyperion
- The Complete Music for Violin & Orchestra, Vol. 3, Bohuslav Matoušek, Christopher Hogwood, Czech Philharmonic Orch., Hyperion
- The Complete Music for Violin & Orchestra, Vol. 4, Bohuslav Matoušek, Christopher Hogwood, Czech Philharmonic Orch., Hyperion
- Le Raid merveilleux, La Revue de cuisine, On tourne!, Christopher Hogwood, Czech Philharmonic Orch., Supraphon
- La Revue de cuisine, Merry Christmas 1941, Tre Ricercari, Toccata e due canzoni, Sinfonietta La Jolla, Christopher Hogwood, Czech Philharmonic Orch., Decca
- Misc. Orchestral Works, James Conlon, Orchestre National de France, Erato, 2-CDs
- Memorial to Lidice, Rhapsody-Concerto, Concertino for Piano Trio & String Orchestra, Tabea Zimmermann, Trio Wanderer, James Conlon, Capriccio
- Suite from "Špalíček", Double Concerto, Sir Charles Mackerras, Brno State Philharmonic Orch., Conifer Classics
- Suite from "Špalíček," Rhapsody-Concerto, Mikhail Zemtsov, Neeme Järvi, Estonian National Symphony Orch., Chandos
- Sinfonietta Giocosa, Toccata e due canzoni, Sinfonietta La Jolla, Julian Jacobson, Tamas Vasary, Bournemouth Sinfonietta, Chandos
- Sinfonietta La Jolla, Toccata e due canzoni, Concerto Grosso, Josef Hála, Petr Jiříkovský, Prague Chamber Orch., Supraphon
- Music Inspired by Jazz & Sport, Petr Vronský, Zbyněk Vostřák, Prague Wind Quintet, Brno State Philharmonic Orch., Prague Symphony Orch., Supraphon
- Field Mass, Double Concerto, Les fresques de Piero della Francesca, various soloists, Sir Charles Mackerras, Czech Philharmonic Chorus & Orch., Prague Radio Symphony Orch., Supraphon
- Les fresques de Piero della Francesca, The Parables (coupled with Janáček's Sinfonietta), Karel Ančerl, Czech Philharmonic Orch., Supraphon
- Serenades, various instrument soloists, Prague Chamber Orch., Supraphon
- Three Fragments from "Julietta," Orchestral Suite from "Julietta," Magdalena Kožená, Sir Charles Mackerras, Czech Philharmonic Orch., Supraphon
- Early Orchestral Works, Vol. 1, Ian Hobson, Sinfonia Varsovia, Toccata Classics
- Early Orchestral Works, Vol. 2, Ian Hobson, Sinfonia Varsovia, Toccata Classics
- Oboe Concerto, Harpsichord Concerto, Piano Concerto, Ivan Séquardt, Zuzana Růžičková, Josef Páleníček, Václav Neumann, Czech Philharmonic Orch., Supraphon
- La Revue de cuisine, Harpsichord Concerto, Musique de Chambre No. 1, Les rondes, Klaus Simon, Robert Hill, Holst Sinfonietta, Naxos
- Oboe Concertos (with B.A. Zimmermann, Strauss), Stefan Schilli, Mariss Jansons, Bavarian Radio Symphony Orch., Oehms Classics
- Opera Suites and Excerpts, Václav Neumann, František Jílek, Czech Philharmonic Orch., Brno State Philharmonic Orch., Supraphon
- Cello Concertos Nos. 1 & 2, Angelica May, Václav Neumann, Czech Philharmonic Orch., Supraphon
- Sonata da Camera (coupled with Dvořák's Cello Concerto), Angelica May, Václav Neumann, Czech Philharmonic Orch., Supraphon (Denon Japan reissue)
- Violin Concertos Nos. 1 & 2, Josef Suk, Václav Neumann, Czech Philharmonic Orch., Supraphon

Choral Works (with and without an orchestra/instrumental ensemble):

- Špalíček, The Spectre's Bride, Romance of the Dandelions, The Primrose, various soloists, Jiří Bělohlávek, František Jílek, Kühn Mixed Choir, Prague Symphony Orch., Brno Philharmonic Orch., Supraphon, 2-CDs
- Cantatas (Opening of the Wells, Legend of the Smoke from Potato Fires, Mikeš of the Mountains), Pavel Kühn, Kühn Mixed Choir, Supraphon
- Prophecy of Isaiah, Mount of Three Lights, Hymn to St. James, Pavel Kühn, Kühn Mixed Choir, Supraphon
- Bouquet of Flowers (with Novák's Philharmonic Dances), various soloists, Tomáš Netopil, Prague Radio Symphony Orch., Supraphon
- Bouquet of Flowers, Piano Concerto No. 3, various soloists, Josef Páleníček, Karel Ančerl, Czech Philharmonic Orch., Supraphon
- The Epic of Gilgamesh, various soloists, Jiří Bělohlávek, Prague Symphony Orch., Supraphon
- The Epic of Gilgamesh, various soloists, Manfred Honeck, Prague Philharmonic Choir, Czech Philharmonic Orch., Supraphon
- Nipponari, Magic Nights, Czech Rhapsody, various soloists, Jiří Bělohlávek, Kühn Mixed Choir, Prague Symphony Orch., Supraphon

Chamber Music:

- Duos & Trio for Strings, Beethoven String Trio, Praga Digitals
- String Quartet No. 7, Sonata for Two Violins & Piano, String Sextet, Nonet, Kocian Quartet, Pražák Quartet, Czech Nonet, Praga Digitals
- Chamber Music with Flute, various instrumental soloists, Naxos
- Chamber Music with Viola, Alexander Besa, various instrumental soloists, Supraphon
- The Complete Piano Trios, Smetana Trio, Supraphon
- Cello Sonatas Nos. 1-3, Steven Isserlis, Peter Evans, Helios
- Piano Quintets Nos. 1 & 2, Sonatina for Two Violins & Piano, Martinů Quartet, Karel Košárek, Naxos
- Complete Works for String Trio (with Milhaud), Jacques Thibaud String Trio, Audite
- String Trio No. 1, Piano Quartet, String Quintet, Musique de Chambre No. 1, Ensemble Calliopée, Alpha, 2-CDs (+ DVD documentary)
- Chamber Music, Dartington Ensemble, Hyperion, 2-CDs

Piano Music:

- Piano Works I, Paul Kaspar, Tudor
- Piano Works II, Paul Kaspar, Tudor
- Piano Works III, Paul Kaspar, Tudor

[Josquin13]

You're welcome. If you're happy with your current set of Martinu SQs then stick with it unless you really want to buy another set, so if you do I recommend the Panocha on Supraphon. Since you like Czech performances (and who doesn't?), have you heard this recording?

[asin]B000S6NSF0[/asin]

I think you'll find these performances right up your alley. The performance of the String Sextet alone is worth the price of admission IMHO.

Yes!, I have that CD and like it, thanks.  It's part of the shared Martinu SQ cycle between the Kocian, Zemlinsky, & Prazak quartets on Praga--here are the other two discs (which I also own):

[asin]B000CEBOU4[/asin]
[asin]B002AHJTDA[/asin]

I'm also planning to add the Kocian Quartet recording of Martinu's 2 Piano Quintets & Piano Quartet (with pianist Ivan Klansky) to my collection (and/or possibly the Martinu Quartet's recording of these works on Naxos), as I've yet to hear this music:

[asin]B001L15C7I[/asin]

[Mirror Image]

Yes!, I have that CD and like it, thanks.  It's part of the shared Martinu SQ cycle between the Kocian, Zemlinsky, & Prazak quartets on Praga--here are the other two discs (which I also own):

[asin]B000CEBOU4[/asin]
[asin]B002AHJTDA[/asin]

I'm also planning to add the Kocian Quartet recording of Martinu's Piano Quintets (with pianist Ivan Klansky) to my collection (and/or possibly the Martinu Quartet's recording of these works on Naxos), as I've yet to hear his Piano Quintets:

[asin]B001L15C7I[/asin]

You're tempting me! I might just have to snag myself copies of these recordings. Thanks for the links, my friend.

Edit: I might have to wait on these as they're pretty pricy. I'll pick them with my Christmas money (as I assume that's what I'll be receiving --- I do every year).

[Josquin13]

Yes, they can be pricey, as they're hybrid SACDs (I waited for a price break when I bought them).  But, at the very least, I don't think you'll be disappointed with the audiophile sound quality.  Unfortunately, the older Supraphon Czech issues don't always have the best sound engineering (except in their joint releases with Denon), so it's nice to have, especially in chamber music.

Thanks for listing your Martinu recordings.  That's an impressive collection!  My only mild surprise is that you don't have any of the Martinu recordings by various members of the well regarded Suk Trio--violinist Josef Suk (in the concertos & sonatas), Josef Chuchro & Josef Hala in the Cello Sonatas 1-3--though Isserlis is certainly a fine cellist.

I'll never forget the first time I heard Martinu's music, it was the Frescoes of Piero della Francesca on the radio.  I was so taken with the piece that I had to stop what I was doing and wait until the end to find out what this incredibly mysterious music was.  When the work was announced and I found out that it was conducted by James DePriest, I immediately walked to Tower Records & bought the recording.

[Mirror Image]

Yes, they can be pricey, as they're hybrid SACDs (I waited for a price break when I bought them).  But, at the very least, I don't think you'll be disappointed with the audiophile sound quality.  Unfortunately, the older Supraphon Czech issues don't always have the best sound engineering (except in their joint releases with Denon), so it's nice to have, especially in chamber music.

Thanks for listing your Martinu recordings.  That's an impressive collection.  My only mild surprise is that you don't have any of the Martinu recordings by various members of the highly regarded Suk Trio--violinist Josef Suk (in the concertos & sonatas), Josef Chuchro & Josef Hala in the Cello Sonatas 1-3--though Isserlis is certainly a fine cellist.

I'll never forget the first time I heard Martinu's music, it was the Frescoes of Piero della Francesca on the radio.  I was so taken with the piece that I had to stop what I was doing and wait until the end to find out what this mysterious music was.  When the work was announced and I found out that it was conducted by James DePriest, I immediately walked to Tower Records & bought the recording.

That's great to hear (re: your story about hearing Martinu on the radio). Oh, I just made an edit to my list --- I added Josef Suk's recording of the VCs as I do own that recording just forgot to list it. I don't own any of Suk's recording of Martinu's sonatas, though, but I'm good on those I feel considering I own that Supraphon 4-CD set with Matoušek (+ Adamec). That Chuchro/Hala recording of the Cello Sonatas is a bit difficult to track down, but I think I remember seeing it for a good price on the used market via Amazon. I'd like to get the newer Isserlis recording, too, on BIS.

[Archaic Torso of Apollo]

I'll never forget the first time I heard Martinu's music, it was the Frescoes of Piero della Francesca on the radio.  I was so taken with the piece that I had to stop what I was doing and wait until the end to find out what this incredibly mysterious music was.  When the work was announced and I found out that it was conducted by James DePriest, I immediately walked to Tower Records & bought the recording.

My first Martinu experience was the 1st Symphony, the Belohlavek recording on Chandos. I had seen it recommended somewhere and thought it would be a good place to start. The opening made me think of bubbles rising to the surface of the ocean and bursting. It made me a fan right away, along with the Double Concerto on the same disc.

Thanks for listing your Martinu recordings.  That's an impressive collection! 

It sure is! He seems to have all the bases covered.

[Josquin13]

Josef Suk is excellent in the two sonatas (2 & 3), and especially the 5 Madrigal Stanzas, as I recall.  Though I've not heard Matousek to compare (his set is on my wish list).  Chuchro & Hala are likewise exceptional in the Cello Sonatas 1-3.  As much as I like Isserlis as a cellist, I can't imagine he's quite as idiomatic or insightful as Chuchro in this music, though I haven't heard his recording.

Yes, there are several listings on Amazon--this one is currently the least expensive I could find, if you or anyone else are interested--for me, it's a desert island Martinu disc (though it probably could use a remastering, as it's from the early CD era):

[asin]B0023TJJ8U[/asin]

I'm looking for gaps in your collection, but it looks like you're very well covered.  Though, unless I overlooked it, you're missing the early Debussy-influenced Nipponari & Magic Nights (two song cycles) and Czech Rhapsody, and you might want to sample this CD:

[asin]B001F6YZ9U[/asin]

I have the Darlington Ensemble's recording of the Nonet too, & like it.  But didn't Martinu compose two Nonets?  I've never heard the other Nonet--does anyone know if it is of a comparable quality?

[North Star]

I'm looking for gaps in your collection, but it looks like you're very well covered.  Though, unless I overlooked it, you're missing the early Debussy-influenced Nipponari & Magic Nights (two song cycles) and Czech Rhapsody, and you might want to sample this CD:

[asin]B001F6YZ9U[/asin]

I have the Darlington Ensemble's recording of the Nonet too, & like it.  But didn't Martinu compose two Nonets?  I've never heard the other Nonet--does anyone know if it is of a comparable quality?

Don't get John (MI) started on juvenilia collection, he likes it way too much

The Nonet No. 1 i s early (1925, Paris, H.144) and unpublished. IMSLP says it's 'rarely performed', and I doubt there's a recording at all. It might not even survive as a complete work.

[Turner]

I don´t have any of the Nonets (yet), but as regards the first one, H144, there´s this BIS CD 653:

https://www.allmusic.com/album/bohuslav-martinu-nonet-nonet-fragment-flute-trio-la-revue-de-cuisine-mw0001397211

[Turner]

My Martinu collection:

Complete symphony sets:

- Neeme Järvi, Bamberg SO, BIS, 3-CDs
- Cornelius Meister, ORF Vienna Radio SO, Capriccio, 3-CDs
- Bryden Thomson, Royal Scottish National Orch., Chandos, 3-CDs
- Vaclav Neumann, Czech Philharmonic Orch., Supraphon, 3-CDs
- Jiří Bělohlávek, BBC SO, Onyx, 3-CDs
- Vladimir Valek, Prague Radio SO, Supraphon, 3-CDs

Misc. box sets:

- Complete String Quartets: Panocha Quartet, Supraphon, 3-CDs
- Complete String Quartets: Stamitz Quartet, Bayer, 3-CDs
- Music for Violin and Piano (Complete): Bohuslav Matoušek (violin), Petr Adamec (piano), Supraphon, 4-CDs

Opera sets/single issues:

- Julietta: various soloists, Jaroslav Krombholc, Chorus of the National Theatre, PragueOrchestra of the National Theatre, Prague, Supraphon, 3-CDs
- The Greek Passion: various soloists, Sir Charles Mackerras, Czech Philharmonic Chorus, Brno State Philharmonic Orch., Supraphon, 2-CDs
- Ariane: various soloists, Vaclav Neumann, Czech Philharmonic Chorus, Czech Philharmonic Orch., Supraphon
- Ariane (coupled w/ Double Concerto): various soloists, Tomáš Netopil, Essener Philharmoniker, Supraphon
- Les Larmes du couteau, The Voice of the Forest: various soloists, Jiří Bělohlávek, The Prague Philharmonia, Supraphon
- Les Trois Souhaits ou Les vicissitudes de la vie: various soloists, Vaclav Nosek, Brno Janáček Opera Chorus, Brno Janáček Opera Orch., Supraphon
- The Miracle of Our Lady, various soloists, Jiří Bělohlávek, Prague Radio Chorus, Prague Symphony Orch., Supraphon, 2-CDs

Concertos/Ballets/Misc. Orchestral:

- Symphony No. 1, Violin Concerto No. 2, Lorenzo Gatto, Walter Weller, National Orch. of Belgium, Fuga Libera
- Symphony No. 4, Estampes, Le Depart (from Les Trois Souhaits ou Les vicissitudes de la vie), Walter Weller, National Orch. of Belgium, Fuga Libera
- Symphony No. 4 (coupled with Brahms' Symphony No. 1), Klaus Tennstedt, Stuttgart Radio Symphony Orch., ICA Classics
- Symphony No. 4, Tre Ricercari, Piano Concerto No. 4 "Incantation," Martin Turnovský, Jiří Pinkas, Josef Páleníček, Czech Philharmonic Orch. Brno State Philharmonic Orch., Apex
- Symphony Nos. 5 & 6, Memorial to Lidice, Karel Ančerl, Czech Philharmonic Orch., Supraphon
- Symphony No. 6, "Fantaisies symphoniques" (coupled with Piston, Menotti), Charles Munch, Boston Symphony Orch., RCA
- Symphonies Nos. 1 & 2, Claus Peter Flor, Berlin Symphony Orch., RCA
- Symphonies Nos. 5 & 6, Claus Peter Flor, Berlin Symphony Orch., RCA
- Symphonies Nos. 3 & 4, Jiří Bělohlávek, Czech Philharmonic Orch., Supraphon
- Symphonies Nos. 5 & 6, Jiří Bělohlávek, Czech Philharmonic Orch., Supraphon
- Symphony No. 1, Double Concerto: Jiří Bělohlávek, Czech Philharmonic Orch., Chandos
- Field Mass, Memorial to Lidice, Symphony No. 4, various soloists, Jiří Bělohlávek, Czech Philharmonic Chorus, Czech Philharmonic Orch., Chandos
- Symphony No. 6, "Fantaisies symphoniques" (coupled with Janáček's Sinfonietta), Jiří Bělohlávek, Czech Philharmonic Orch., Chandos
- Piano Concertos Nos. 1-5, Piano Concertino, Emil Leichner, Jiří Bělohlávek, Czech Philharmonic Orch., Supraphon, 2-CDs
- Cello Concertos Nos. 1 & 2, Cello Concertino, Raphael Wallfisch, Jiří Bělohlávek, Czech Philharmonic Orch., Chandos
- Violin Concerto No. 2, Toccata e due canzoni, Serenada No. 2 for Strings, Isabelle Faust, Cédric Tiberghien, Jiří Bělohlávek, Prague Philharmonia, Harmonia Mundi
- Who is the Most Powerful in the World?, Jiří Bělohlávek, Prague Symphony Orch., Supraphon
- The Butterfly that Stamped, Jiří Bělohlávek, Prague Symphony Orch., Supraphon
- Checking the King, The Revolt, Jiří Bělohlávek, Prague Symphony Orch., Supraphon
- Rhapsody-Concerto, chamber works w/ viola and/or piano/violin, Maxim Rysanov, Katya Apekisheva, Alexander Sitkovetsky, Jiří Bělohlávek, BBC Symphony Orch., BIS
- Overture, Rhapsody, Sinfonia Concertante, The Parables, etc., Jiří Bělohlávek, Czech Philharmonic Orch., Supraphon
- Estampes, The Parables, Rhapsody, Jiří Bělohlávek, Czech Philharmonic Orch., Supraphon
- Piano Concertos Nos. 2 & 4, Overture, Les fresques de Piero della Francesca, Robert Kolinsky, Vladimir Ashkenazy, Sinfonieorchester Basel, Ondine
- Pianos Concertos Nos. 2-4, Rudolf Firkušný, Libor Pešek, Czech Philharmonic Orch., RCA
- The Complete Music for Violin & Orchestra, Vol. 1, Bohuslav Matoušek, Janne Thomsen, Régis Pasquier, Jennifer Koh, Christopher Hogwood, Czech Philharmonic Orch., Hyperion
- The Complete Music for Violin & Orchestra, Vol. 2, Bohuslav Matoušek, Karel Košárek, Christopher Hogwood, Czech Philharmonic Orch., Hyperion
- The Complete Music for Violin & Orchestra, Vol. 3, Bohuslav Matoušek, Christopher Hogwood, Czech Philharmonic Orch., Hyperion
- The Complete Music for Violin & Orchestra, Vol. 4, Bohuslav Matoušek, Christopher Hogwood, Czech Philharmonic Orch., Hyperion
- Le Raid merveilleux, La Revue de cuisine, On tourne!, Christopher Hogwood, Czech Philharmonic Orch., Supraphon
- La Revue de cuisine, Merry Christmas 1941, Tre Ricercari, Toccata e due canzoni, Sinfonietta La Jolla, Christopher Hogwood, Czech Philharmonic Orch., Decca
- Misc. Orchestral Works, James Conlon, Orchestre National de France, Erato, 2-CDs
- Memorial to Lidice, Rhapsody-Concerto, Concertino for Piano Trio & String Orchestra, Tabea Zimmermann, Trio Wanderer, James Conlon, Capriccio
- Suite from "Špalíček", Double Concerto, Sir Charles Mackerras, Brno State Philharmonic Orch., Conifer Classics
- Suite from "Špalíček," Rhapsody-Concerto, Mikhail Zemtsov, Neeme Järvi, Estonian National Symphony Orch., Chandos
- Sinfonietta Giocosa, Toccata e due canzoni, Sinfonietta La Jolla, Julian Jacobson, Tamas Vasary, Bournemouth Sinfonietta, Chandos
- Sinfonietta La Jolla, Toccata e due canzoni, Concerto Grosso, Josef Hála, Petr Jiříkovský, Prague Chamber Orch., Supraphon
- Music Inspired by Jazz & Sport, Petr Vronský, Zbyněk Vostřák, Prague Wind Quintet, Brno State Philharmonic Orch., Prague Symphony Orch., Supraphon
- Field Mass, Double Concerto, Les fresques de Piero della Francesca, various soloists, Sir Charles Mackerras, Czech Philharmonic Chorus & Orch., Prague Radio Symphony Orch., Supraphon
- Les fresques de Piero della Francesca, The Parables (coupled with Janáček's Sinfonietta), Karel Ančerl, Czech Philharmonic Orch., Supraphon
- Serenades, various instrument soloists, Prague Chamber Orch., Supraphon
- Three Fragments from "Julietta," Orchestral Suite from "Julietta," Magdalena Kožená, Sir Charles Mackerras, Czech Philharmonic Orch., Supraphon
- Early Orchestral Works, Vol. 1, Ian Hobson, Sinfonia Varsovia, Toccata Classics
- Early Orchestral Works, Vol. 2, Ian Hobson, Sinfonia Varsovia, Toccata Classics
- Oboe Concerto, Harpsichord Concerto, Piano Concerto, Ivan Séquardt, Zuzana Růžičková, Josef Páleníček, Václav Neumann, Czech Philharmonic Orch., Supraphon
- La Revue de cuisine, Harpsichord Concerto, Musique de Chambre No. 1, Les rondes, Klaus Simon, Robert Hill, Holst Sinfonietta, Naxos
- Oboe Concertos (with B.A. Zimmermann, Strauss), Stefan Schilli, Mariss Jansons, Bavarian Radio Symphony Orch., Oehms Classics
- Opera Suites and Excerpts, Václav Neumann, František Jílek, Czech Philharmonic Orch., Brno State Philharmonic Orch., Supraphon
- Cello Concertos Nos. 1 & 2, Angelica May, Václav Neumann, Czech Philharmonic Orch., Supraphon
- Sonata da Camera (coupled with Dvořák's Cello Concerto), Angelica May, Václav Neumann, Czech Philharmonic Orch., Supraphon (Denon Japan reissue)
- Violin Concertos Nos. 1 & 2, Josef Suk, Václav Neumann, Czech Philharmonic Orch., Supraphon

Choral Works (with and without an orchestra/instrumental ensemble):

- Špalíček, The Spectre's Bride, Romance of the Dandelions, The Primrose, various soloists, Jiří Bělohlávek, František Jílek, Kühn Mixed Choir, Prague Symphony Orch., Brno Philharmonic Orch., Supraphon, 2-CDs
- Cantatas (Opening of the Wells, Legend of the Smoke from Potato Fires, Mikeš of the Mountains), Pavel Kühn, Kühn Mixed Choir, Supraphon
- Prophecy of Isaiah, Mount of Three Lights, Hymn to St. James, Pavel Kühn, Kühn Mixed Choir, Supraphon
- Bouquet of Flowers (with Novák's Philharmonic Dances), various soloists, Tomáš Netopil, Prague Radio Symphony Orch., Supraphon
- Bouquet of Flowers, Piano Concerto No. 3, various soloists, Josef Páleníček, Karel Ančerl, Czech Philharmonic Orch., Supraphon
- The Epic of Gilgamesh, various soloists, Jiří Bělohlávek, Prague Symphony Orch., Supraphon
- The Epic of Gilgamesh, various soloists, Manfred Honeck, Prague Philharmonic Choir, Czech Philharmonic Orch., Supraphon

Chamber Music:

- Duos & Trio for Strings, Beethoven String Trio, Praga Digitals
- String Quartet No. 7, Sonata for Two Violins & Piano, String Sextet, Nonet, Kocian Quartet, Pražák Quartet, Czech Nonet, Praga Digitals
- Chamber Music with Flute, various instrumental soloists, Naxos
- Chamber Music with Viola, Alexander Besa, various instrumental soloists, Supraphon
- The Complete Piano Trios, Smetana Trio, Supraphon
- Cello Sonatas Nos. 1-3, Steven Isserlis, Peter Evans, Helios
- Piano Quintets Nos. 1 & 2, Sonatina for Two Violins & Piano, Martinů Quartet, Karel Košárek, Naxos
- Complete Works for String Trio (with Milhaud), Jacques Thibaud String Trio, Audite
- String Trio No. 1, Piano Quartet, String Quintet, Musique de Chambre No. 1, Ensemble Calliopée, Alpha, 2-CDs (+ DVD documentary)
- Chamber Music, Dartington Ensemble, Hyperion, 2-CDs

Piano Music:

- Piano Works I, Paul Kaspar, Tudor
- Piano Works II, Paul Kaspar, Tudor
- Piano Works III, Paul Kaspar, Tudor

Nice collection, and better than mine ... I don´t have that many alternative recordings of works, and mostly LPs, but a large bunch of the recorded oeuvre though.
Martinu is one of those composers you could study for a lifetime ...

[North Star]

I don´t have any of the Nonets (yet), but as regards the first one, H144, there´s this BIS CD 653:

https://www.allmusic.com/album/bohuslav-martinu-nonet-nonet-fragment-flute-trio-la-revue-de-cuisine-mw0001397211

Cool! But seriously, you need to hear the Nonet no. 2.  0:)

[Turner]

Cool! But seriously, you need to hear the Nonet no. 2.  0:)

A fact that is already very present in my mind 

[Josquin13]

Turner & North Star--Yes, I see the Nonet No. 1 is only about a five minute work.  Nevertheless, that BIS CD is a great find!, Turner--thanks.  Onto the wish list it goes.

[North Star]

Turner & North Star--Yes, I see the Nonet No. 1 is only about a five minute work.  Nevertheless, that BIS CD is a great find!, Turner--thanks.  Onto the wish list it goes.

From what I read, I think it's just a fragment.

[Mirror Image]

Josef Suk is excellent in the two sonatas (2 & 3), and especially the 5 Madrigal Stanzas, as I recall.  Though I've not heard Matousek to compare (his set is on my wish list).  Chuchro & Hala are likewise exceptional in the Cello Sonatas 1-3.  As much as I like Isserlis as a cellist, I can't imagine he's quite as idiomatic or insightful as Chuchro in this music, though I haven't heard his recording.

Yes, there are several listings on Amazon--this one is currently the least expensive I could find, if you or anyone else are interested--for me, it's a desert island Martinu disc (though it probably could use a remastering, as it's from the early CD era):

[asin]B0023TJJ8U[/asin]

I'm looking for gaps in your collection, but it looks like you're very well covered.  Though, unless I overlooked it, you're missing the early Debussy-influenced Nipponari & Magic Nights (two song cycles) and Czech Rhapsody, and you might want to sample this CD:

[asin]B001F6YZ9U[/asin]

I have the Darlington Ensemble's recording of the Nonet too, & like it.  But didn't Martinu compose two Nonets?  I've never heard the other Nonet--does anyone know if it is of a comparable quality?

Thanks for reminding me yet again. I do own that Nipponari (w/ Magic Nights, Czech Rhapsody) recording. I can't believe I forgot about listing it since it's one of my favorite recordings of anything! I just bought that Chuchro & Hala recording of the Cello Sonatas. You're a bad influence on me. Thanks for the recommendations. I'm about to sit down for a later dinner, so I can't type too much more.

[Mirror Image]

From what I read, I think it's just a fragment.

That's correct, Karlo.