Bohuslav Martinů (1890-1959)

[Mirror Image]

Good! I had noticed that somewhere else. I didn't hear the concerts I'm afraid. Reading this thread has re-ignited my enthusiasm. I may get the Neumann cycle later in the year too,for old times sake. It's not top of the list of recommendations list these days,but it was my introduction to this composer (as a teenager) and there's a sort of 'pioneering spirit' there,which I rather like.
The more Martinu cycles the better.

I actually like Neumann's cycle the best truth be told. Neumann brings a more rhapsodic feel to the music than any other conductor plus you get the outstanding playing of the Czech Philharmonic, which are leaps and bounds ahead of the Royal Scottish National Orchestra (under Thomson/Chandos) and the Bamberg Symphony Orchestra (under Jarvi/BIS).

Of course, Belohlavek is excellent in Martinu, but Neumann is equally as good I think.

[cilgwyn]

Thanks MI! So.it's not just me or nostalgia for lost youth? I remember playing the old Supraphon Lps years ago & someone said,(without any prompting from me) 'THAT'S a good orchestra'! I think he was right.
Not to mention that authentic czech sound.

[Mirror Image]

Thanks MI! So.it's not just me or nostalgia for lost youth? I remember playing the old Supraphon Lps years ago & someone said,(without any prompting from me) 'THAT'S a good orchestra'! I think he was right.
Not to mention that authentic czech sound.

You're welcome. Yes, I think you will enjoy Neumann's cycle. I remember buying this set for around $20.

[cilgwyn]

I have ordered the Piano Concerto's. While I did notice some mixed opinions on Musicweb,there was considerable enthusiasm elsewhere. Indeed, the infamous 'Hurwitz' regards them as 'astonishingly varied' and (3 & 4) some of the 'finest' of the 20th c!

[Mirror Image]

I have ordered the Piano Concerto's. While I did notice some mixed opinions on Musicweb,there was considerable enthusiasm elsewhere. Indeed, the infamous 'Hurwitz' regards them as 'astonishingly varied' and (3 & 4) some of the 'finest' of the 20th c!

Which recordings of the piano concertos did you buy? Naxos or Supraphon? I only have one set and it's with Belohlavek conducting the CzPO on Supraphon.

[cilgwyn]

The Supraphon. I like their recordings. (But,obviously,they're not ALWAYS the best).

[Archaic Torso of Apollo]

I have ordered the Piano Concerto's. While I did notice some mixed opinions on Musicweb,there was considerable enthusiasm elsewhere. Indeed, the infamous 'Hurwitz' regards them as 'astonishingly varied' and (3 & 4) some of the 'finest' of the 20th c!

The 4th PC ("Incantations") is generally regarded by Martinu fans as one of his very best concerti. The others get more mixed views. I personally like the 3rd quite a lot, but it often comes in for criticism - Martinu writing in a quasi-Romantic, Brahmsian vein that's not really natural for him.

[karlhenning]

Hmmm. He worked so well in such a broad range of style:  How do we determine which (if any) of those styles is "not really natural for him"?

[cilgwyn]

Yes indeed,a very good question,if you ask me!

[Mirror Image]

Hmmm. He worked so well in such a broad range of style:  How do we determine which (if any) of those styles is "not really natural for him"?

Good point, Karl. I personally like all of his piano concerti. I like the ones for violin and cello as well. Great music.

[cilgwyn]

I got the 2 cd set of the Piano Concerto's. I wasn't too sure at first,but after a few listens I'm pretty hooked. While it's not the most tuneful music I've ever heard,it's very lyrical and Martinu's use of the piano really draws you in. A wonderful composer.
Spalicek next!

[Mirror Image]

I got the 2 cd set of the Piano Concerto's. I wasn't too sure at first,but after a few listens I'm pretty hooked. While it's not the most tuneful music I've ever heard,it's very lyrical and Martinu's use of the piano really draws you in. A wonderful composer.
Spalicek next!

I'm glad you enjoying the set. No, they're not the most tuneful piano concertos, but Martinu's lyricism as you say makes up for it.

[cilgwyn]

His orchestration is so intricate. There's a bach like complexity at times,yet the music is so lyrical and,as has been said before,life affirming.
I need to listen to cd 2 a little more & I CAN see what you mean about Martinu trying to write in a 'Brahmsian vein'. It's a bit like Martinu being poured into some kind of metaphorical mould. It gets in the way of his usual warmth a little. You get the feeling the real Martinu's just bursting to find a way out. But it's still very enjoyable.

[Archaic Torso of Apollo]

Now this is interesting. A brand new Martinu symphony cycle on CD, taken from the Belohlavek/BBCSO concerts last season:

Reviews of this set have been great so far. I may have to invest. Gramophone's verdict:

"In short, Bělohlávek and the BBC SO are now my top recommendation for the Martinů symphonies"

http://gramophone.co.uk/review/martin%C5%AF-symphonies-nos-1-6

[cilgwyn]

I still think this sort of thing is somewhat subjective. Personally,I think the underrated Neumann,and I hasten to add,one of my favourite conductors,is unbeatable for sheer excitement and that raw Czech sound. Marvellous. I recently bought his set of Dvorak's Symphonic poems and Mackerras,Harnoncourt,notwithstanding,his interpretations have gone straight to the top of the pile! In a word,'Wow!'
With all due respect!

[Lisztianwagner]

I've recently discovered Martinů's music after listening to the Piano Concertos No.4 & 5; his works sound very beautiful, very impressive...simple but with a highly elegant virtuosity at the same time.
I would definitely like to get to know his music better; any suggestion about the recordings of the Symphonies and the Piano Concertos?

[Mirror Image]

I've recently discovered Martinů's music after listening to the Piano Concertos No.4 & 5; his works sound very beautiful, very impressive...simple but with a highly elegant virtuosity at the same time.
I would definitely like to get to know his music better; any suggestion about the recordings of the Symphonies and the Piano Concertos?

Martinu is a great composer, but a very uneven one because he composed so much music. For the symphonies, IMHO it's hard to beat Neumann:



Unfortunately, for the Piano Concertos there's not much to choose from, but this set will the fit the bill rather nicely:

[cilgwyn]

I love those wierd cover designs on the Supraphon recordings of the symphonies. I remember seeing the Neumann LPs in Haverfordwest library,all those years ago,with those wierd looking heads & thinking 'I wonder what this music is like?' I wasn't disappointed. Later on when I bought the box set of the LPs I was disappointed by the plain sleeve design. Not that it should have mattered,of course;but the sleeve designs were eye catching & seemed to suit Martinu's,often,almost hallucinatory orchestral 'colours'. Also,in the context of a public library setting,the sleeve designs stood out from the crowd & if,like me,you hadn't heard of Martinu before,they were probably a quite effective way of 'marketing' them! In my case,they certainly helped grab another Martinu admirer......and customer (I bought my boxed set a little later &,thirty odd years later, I STILL admire Martinu AND Neumann,as a conductor!)
 

[Mirror Image]

I love those wierd cover designs on the Supraphon recordings of the symphonies. I remember seeing the Neumann LPs in Haverfordwest library,all those years ago,with those wierd looking heads & thinking 'I wonder what this music is like?' I wasn't disappointed. Later on when I bought the box set of the LPs I was disappointed by the plain sleeve design. Not that it should have mattered,of course;but the sleeve designs were eye catching & seemed to suit Martinu's,often,almost hallucinatory orchestral 'colours'. Also,in the context of a public library setting,the sleeve designs stood out from the crowd & if,like me,you hadn't heard of Martinu before,they were probably a quite effective way of 'marketing' them! In my case,they certainly helped grab another Martinu admirer......and customer (I bought my boxed set a little later &,thirty odd years later, I STILL admire Martinu AND Neumann,as a conductor!)

Well there you go! My first set of Martinu symphonies was with Bryden Thomson. Overall, it's a pretty good set, but nothing like Neumann's. I think Neumann had the true spirit of these works in his blood. He understood that these were not Romantic symphonies at all, which Thomson over-romanticized the music IMHO. Neumann kept true to the music's lyricism and understood how to navigate through the music and how to give the music that Czech bite when the music called for it. It also doesn't hurt to have the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra at your fingertips either. Who better to understand Martinu than a Czech conductor with a Czech orchestra?

Anyway, Belohlavek has a new set of Martinu symphonies out with the BBC Symphony Orchestra, which I have bought, but haven't listened to yet. I'm afraid of being disappointed, because I know that the Neumann set is just so extraordinary. Ah, well I suppose I should give at least the first symphony a spin some time soon.

[cilgwyn]

Why not? The more interpretations of these marvellous & still underrated (in the concert hall) symphonies,the better! As to Bryden Thomson. He's actually another favourite conductor;but while I admire his enterprise & enthusiasm in recording an integral cycle,I think he  was better in Bax and Nielsen. But his cycle is certainly well worth having.
Nice to see Supraphon brought back those wierd heads!!!!!