It seems that a lot of Martinu fans find his chamber music a lot more variable in quality than his orchestral output. I'm generally inclined to agree, and it would be worth hearing what other people consider the best of his (numerous) productions in that field. (It seems that when I acquire a CD of Martinu chamber music, it often contains one masterpiece, one work that's just OK, and one dud.)
I like most:
The Nonet (one of the last things he wrote, and one of the first I heard - marvelous)
String Quartet #5 (on the Bartok or Shostakovich quality level). I also like #4, but it's not quite as gripping. (Haven't heard #6, highly rated by some)
Piano Quintet #2 (very "symphonic" in feeling)
Piano Trio #3 (very fine late piece; #2 is also quite good)
and the wacky La Revue de Cuisine
I am not as familiar with the highly rated cello sonatas as I should be. I have listened and liked them, but that's all I can say for now.
Otherwise, there are a number of pieces in the "just OK" range: Piano Quintet #1, some of the other string quartets, the various "madrigals" for combinations of instruments. I don't listen to them too often, because they're just OK.
So who likes what?
Quote from: Spitvalve on December 17, 2008, 04:28:18 AM
So who likes what?
Nonet and 5th Quartet, of what I heard, which is not that much. I like first two Cello Sonatas (third less so for some reason) and Flute, Cello, Piano Trio is ok. What I'd most like to hear next are the Sextets, string and wind. Any recommendations for these?
I'm very fond of the cello sonatas. Some of my favorite Martinu. If it can be found the OOP Starker/Firkusny recording on RCA is exemplary.
I haven't heard all of the violin sonatas but what I have (nos. 2 & 3) are top-drawer (Suk/Hala).
The string quartets also rate very highly with me. I enjoy them all. The Panocha quartet is top-notch, so too is the Martinu quartet on Naxos. Very different takes on the music, however. The Panocha find more quirkiness and color in the music whereas the Martinu is more plush. I love both. I also have the Kocian quartet on Praga (2, 4, & 5) - more earthbound but still pretty good. The only non-Czech recording of the quartets I have comes from the Emperor quartet on BIS (3, 4, & 5). Very nicely done.
And yes, the Nonet is fabulous.
Another worthwhile disc is this one for chamber serenades (trios, quintets, etc., w/ a mixture of winds and strings) along with a couple of serenades for small orchestra:
Well, not much to offer but would like to follow this thread - just have 2 discs of Martinu's Chamber Works shown below - the Naxos CD is a good introduction w/ 4 different pieces; the Hyperion/Helios disc has a sextet - must certainly explore him more - thanks for the thread! :)
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51k1JRQcZzL._SL500_AA240_.jpg) (http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41cbDo%2BjIHL._SL500_AA240_.jpg)
How about his solo piano music? Naxos has a whole series - anyone heard 'em?
I am very fond of all three cello sonatas, but it is the second that I return to most often. I'll be following this thread with interest.
Not about chamber music specifically, but a nice bit of news :)
Czech EU presidency to promote Martinů's work
ČTK / December 4, 2008
Prague, Dec 3 (CTK) - Martinu Revisited, highlighting the work by Czech 20th-century composer Bohuslav Martinu, will be the most important cultural project of Czech EU presidency in the first six months of 2009, Ales Brezina, director of the Bohuslav Martinu Institute, told CTK Wednesday.
It has been joined by prominent world orchestras, opera houses, festivals and soloists such as singers Eva Urbanova and Magdalena Kozena, British conductor Charles Mackerras and Czech conductor Jiri Belohlavek, Brezina said.
Martinu's work will be performed by the New York Philharmonic Orchestra, the Bamberg Symphonic Orchestra, the London Symphonic Orchestra and the Prague Symphonic Orchestra.
The two-year project will start on December 11, 2008 and end on December 10, 2010.
Bohuslav Martinu (December 8, 1890-August 28, 1959) spent most of his life in France, the USA and Switzerland where he died.
Martinu wrote six symphonies and 15 operas, including The Greek Passion.
Martinu's operas and ballets will be performed in Brno, Bratislava, Nice, Zurich, Luzern and London.
Festivals paying homage to Martinu will be held in Basle, Aix en Provence and the USA.
The Bohuslav Martinu Centre will be opened in his native town of Policka, East Bohemia, Brezina said.
The National Museum in Prague plans to stage a big exhibition on his life and work.
Martinů seems to be king of the boxed set. Whatever form, he wrote enough to fill several discs (SQs, syms, concertos, piano solo, cello & piano, it never ends!). Anyone familiar with these pieces/performances?
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/31E3eNAnEeL._SL500_AA240_.jpg) (http://www.europadisc.co.uk/classical/67590/Martinu_-_Works_for_Violin_and_Piano.htm)
4 discs, £12.50 at Europadisc.
I've heard that beyond the 2nd or 3rd sonata, M's violin/piano music is his weakest. Perhaps also the 2 Violin Sonata, but most of the pieces didn't make any impact on the reviewers (long time ago; also on Supraphon... I take it this is new?). M's piano music is ok, no great shakes for me. I'm also no big fan of his Cello Sonatas.
I could have sworn I'd done this recently???
I fought in the Martinu Chamber Wars of the '90s. Brutal...
Martinu comes in four categories for me: winners, ok keepers, ok losers, losers. And Martinu comes in "phases:" sometimes you can't tell which Martinu you're going to get! But generally, for me, anything from his last decade is a winner ('49-'59). The jazz stuff is at my bottom.
1) Nonet (+ Chamber Music No.1 and Nocturne, all three his last works)
2) Piano Quintet No.2
3) SQ No.7
4) all music for Piano Trio (esp. 2-3)
5) String Sextet***
6) Duo No.1 (vln,vnc)***
7) Piano Quartet
8) Harpsichord Sonata
9) Vigil for organ
10) Flute Sonata
11) Clarinet Sonata
12) Trumpet Sonata
13) Viola Sonata
Duo No.2, String Trio No.2, the various trios w/flute or harpsichord, the SQs, the quartet w/side-drum, 2Violin Sonata, the wind sextet, the Magrigals and Serenades... oh, the list goes on... isn't there even an ondes piece??? and a piece for four recorders???
There is a LOT in the take it or leave it category!!!
I do enjoy the Serenades (Supraphon), though they are totally friv.
Don't do what I did which was to get practically every disc available just trying to find that second masterpiece. Martinu for me was a heart breaker with his SQs: they just didn't do it for me; same with the Cello Sonatas. If I haven't mentioned every worthy, and un-, please correct me.
Quote from: snyprrr on June 30, 2009, 09:16:20 PM
I fought in the Martinu Chamber Wars of the '90s.
And lived to tell the tale. I'm sure it left some scars ;D
QuoteDon't do what I did which was to get practically every disc available just trying to find that second masterpiece. Martinu for me was a heart breaker with his SQs: they just didn't do it for me; same with the Cello Sonatas. If I haven't mentioned every worthy, and un-, please correct me.
If you don't dig the 5th String Quartet and any of the Cello Sonatas, then I may have to take back your Martinu Fan Club membership card. There's just no hope for you.
Quote from: snyprrr on June 30, 2009, 09:16:20 PM
I fought in the Martinu Chamber Wars of the '90s. Brutal...
Martinu for me was a heart breaker with his SQs: they just didn't do it for me; same with the Cello Sonatas.
I find that rather strange, for someone who generally likes Martinu to dislike 2nd Cello Sonata. First movement theme is one of the most beautiful Martinu ever wrote, believe he even re-worked it for finale of 3rd Symphony. Here it is:
[mp3=200,20,0,left]http://www.fileden.com/files/2008/7/24/2018019/martinu/martcelloson2wickdevoyon.mp3[/mp3]
cello/piano (Tilmann Wick/Pascal Devoyon)
[mp3=200,20,0,left]http://www.fileden.com/files/2008/7/24/2018019/martinu/mar3finczponeum.mp3[/mp3]
orchestra (CzPO/Neumann)
Are you sure you survived those wars? ;)
Quote from: Lethe on June 30, 2009, 11:06:28 AM
Martinů seems to be king of the boxed set. Whatever form, he wrote enough to fill several discs (SQs, syms, concertos, piano solo, cello & piano, it never ends!). Anyone familiar with these pieces/performances?
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/31E3eNAnEeL._SL500_AA240_.jpg) (http://www.europadisc.co.uk/classical/67590/Martinu_-_Works_for_Violin_and_Piano.htm)
4 discs, £12.50 at Europadisc.
Good stuff, at least what I've heard of this repertoire. Can't say as I've heard these exact performances, though - see my post above...
Thankee! I'm a wimp, I'll probably buy it even if people warn me off $:) I hope that Supraphon makes more of these cheap reissued boxes. So much of their available catalogue is in antique giant 2CD box original issues, and some of it perculiarly expensive as well when compared with this Martinů and the two recent Dvořák chamber music sets.
Quote from: Lethe on July 01, 2009, 08:15:34 AM
Thankee! I'm a wimp, I'll probably buy it even if people warn me off $:) I hope that Supraphon makes more of these cheap reissued boxes. So much of their available catalogue is in antique giant 2CD box original issues, and some of it perculiarly expensive as well when compared with this Martinů and the two recent Dvořák chamber music sets.
At that price it's a steal. :)
Quote from: Spitvalve on June 30, 2009, 09:48:34 PM
And lived to tell the tale. I'm sure it left some scars ;D
If you don't dig the 5th String Quartet and any of the Cello Sonatas, then I may have to take back your Martinu Fan Club membership card. There's just no hope for you.
Whom do you recommend in the Cello Sonatas? I have the Bendas on Naxos, and they do not bite my shiny metal ass.
This one (on Claves) with Mattia Zappa and Massimiliano Mainolfi is quite good. Review here (http://www.juilliard.edu/journal/2008-2009/0809/articles/0809_cds.html).
--Bruce
Quote from: edward on July 01, 2009, 12:41:06 PM
Whom do you recommend in the Cello Sonatas? I have the Bendas on Naxos, and they do not bite my shiny metal ass.
I have Isserlis/Evans on Hyperion. I like it, but I haven't heard any competing versions.
Quote from: edward on July 01, 2009, 12:41:06 PM
Whom do you recommend in the Cello Sonatas? I have the Bendas on Naxos, and they do not bite my shiny metal ass.
You can check the clip I posted few posts up. That is taken from Audite disc of all three sonatas played by Tilmann Wick/Pascal Devoyon, compared to Naxos their bite is much stronger, but whether is it enough for your steel behind can't tell. Just got Chuchro/Hala on Supraphon but haven't listened to them yet. I could rip a movement from each if you'd like more sample.
Quote from: Spitvalve on June 30, 2009, 09:48:34 PMIf you don't dig the 5th String Quartet and any of the Cello Sonatas, then I may have to take back your Martinu Fan Club membership card. There's just no hope for you.
I had a feeling I was going to need to add this to my post:
I believe Martinu is one of those early 20th century composers who cultivated many different styles (Stravinsky), but then, finally, settled into his place as heir to Dvorak, no? You must admit that his last decade produced his most delicate orchestral Czech fairytales, from
Symphonies Fantastiques on.
So, my arguement is that as long as I like his end game, I get to choose which Martinu "style" I get to accept or reject. ::)It's selfish, I know, but please, Martinu wrote way to much stuff... sorry!
So, my arguement goes, that I don't like Martinu's "jazz" style, his blatantly baroque style, and his "dark, serious" style.
SQ 5 and the
Cello Sonatas fall into the latter category. I know that they are "important" Martinu pieces, and many people like them, but I singularily don't like them because I just don't like the way Martinu "does" serious, and they dooo stand out as serious works in Martinu's ouvre, no? I know it maybe doesn't make sense, but I like other composers for serious. I like Martinu for "magic!"
My point is, is that I like p-p-plenty of Martinu, and I feel my Martinu taste buds are extremely refined, pshaw... so, for your SQ 5, I will trade you
SQ 7, the
String Sextet, and the
Duo for violin and cello.
And for your Cello Sonatas I will trade you the
Viola Sonata,
Violin Sonatas 2-3, and the
Piano Trios 2-3.
So!..aha... Touche, m'lord... I have your Martinu surrounded!! :D 8)
btw-
The Sinfonietta Giocosa especially, and the Sinfonietta La Jolla are two '40s works, chamber piano concertos, that I think show up Martinu's delicacy. I think they should be included in his chamber works, too.
So, just like a drunk at AA, I've "earned" my seat at the Martinu Fan Club's annual roast! And I've got the cd receipts to prove it.
I even bought that "Serenades"/Supraphon cd... twice!!!... and for the original cover art!!! Even I feel that's OCD! And I liiike the Magrigals... some of them.
Honestly, I really don't tire of "that" Martinu melody. :) You know. ::)
Quote from: snyprrr on July 02, 2009, 08:51:56 PM
So, my arguement goes, that I don't like Martinu's "jazz" style, his blatantly baroque style, and his "dark, serious" style. SQ 5 and the Cello Sonatas fall into the latter category. I know that they are "important" Martinu pieces, and many people like them, but I singularily don't like them because I just don't like the way Martinu "does" serious, and they dooo stand out as serious works in Martinu's ouvre, no?
They
dooooo, and if you don't like the way he does serious, that's your business. I just find it interesting that you reject 3 of his 4 "basic" styles. I like the "dark, serious" style and the last-decade style about evenly - but I do admit that his last decade was more interesting stylistically. I am much cooler to the jazzy and neo-Baroque periods.
QuoteSo!..aha... Touche, m'lord... I have your Martinu surrounded!! :D 8)
I think he'll manage to escape somehow :)
Quote from: snyprrr on July 02, 2009, 08:56:57 PM
The Sinfonietta Giocosa especially, and the Sinfonietta La Jolla are two '40s works, chamber piano concertos, that I think show up Martinu's delicacy. I think they should be included in his chamber works, too.
I love the
La Jolla, which has one of the most eloquent nocturnal slow mvts. ever written, similar in spirit to the
religioso from Bartok's 3rd PC, but even better I think. I can't get into the
Giocosa; too much neo-Baroque busy-ness there. But you didn't mention the true masterpiece of the chamber piano concertos:
Toccata e due canzoni.
I was getting that confused with the Tre Ricercare, another one of my favs. That Decca/Hogwood disc is surprisingly filled with bonbons!
Yes, like a pig snuffling for truffles, the Martinu-hunter is sure to uncover morsels in the strangest of places.
Actually!!!... my fav of the "gothic-y" piano/orch. stuff are the Inventions. Do check those out... lots of fun.
Quote from: snyprrr on July 03, 2009, 10:12:03 AM
I was getting that confused with the Tre Ricercare, another one of my favs. That Decca/Hogwood disc is surprisingly filled with bonbons!
Yes, like a pig snuffling for truffles, the Martinu-hunter is sure to uncover morsels in the strangest of places.
Actually!!!... my fav of the "gothic-y" piano/orch. stuff are the Inventions. Do check those out... lots of fun.
Seriously?? :o
Two years ago?? ??? :-[ :'(
Anyhow, I've been digging in to the Piano Quintets today (good on YouTube, also), and,...mmm... they fall into the Martinu-I-don't-like Category. ok,...
No.1(1933) definitely is vintage I-don't-like Martinu, much like the Piano Quartet No.2 (NeoClassicism?,..."Stravinsky's Martinu Phase", hahahaha).
No.2(1944), which I have always built up in my head because of glorious, glowing reviews, comes off to me as being in Martinu's more accomplished, yet still annoying, motoic NeoBaroque manner. However, because of its length, it has heft, and the last two mvmts. made the strongest impression on me. I even heard a passage straight out of my favorite Castillion PQ, and a passing nod to
Tubular Bells style coolness.
I'm going to call PQ2 "Martinu's Best String Quartet." Yes, I don't like any of them.
Now, I love my Martinu, so please, don't get me wrong. But, I have developed a MartinuIN/OUTButton, and, I am no longer in Control, haha ;) ;D! Chamber wise, in general order, I offer my HighestRecommendation to
String Duo No.1
String Sextet
Flute Sonata
Nonet
Of course I haven't heard it all, but, I'm not necessarily seeking any more Masterpieces from this source. I would like to here the Late Sonatas for clarinet and trumpet(?), and the
Chamber Music. That first String Duo is my personal favorite Martinu Chamber Work (I know, I know,... but :-*), and I do like that String Sextet (w/Dvorak; Hyperion: Great Recording!), so, please, forgive my HeavyHammer.
Quote from: snyprrr on May 19, 2011, 08:55:26 AM
Anyhow, I've been digging in to the Piano Quintets today (good on YouTube, also), and,...mmm... they fall into the Martinu-I-don't-like Category.
Ha, that's not what you said two years ago. Check out the ranking:
Quote from: snyprrr on June 30, 2009, 09:16:20 PM
1) Nonet (+ Chamber Music No.1 and Nocturne, all three his last works)
2) Piano Quintet No.2
I'm curious, BTW, where you hear this "
Tubular Bells style coolness."
Quote from: Velimir on May 20, 2011, 03:30:12 AM
Ha, that's not what you said two years ago. Check out the ranking:
I'm curious, BTW, where you hear this "Tubular Bells style coolness."
1) ok ok, PQ2 was starting to grow on me last night. I'll be honest about 2 years ago: I don't think I'd really heard the piece yet. Hrhmm,... I think I was ASSUMING that it was in the style of
Symphony 6. Boy, you really got me there, haha! Still, the piece is very strange to me, veryquirky,... I thought it was going to be in his smoother Late style, but it is somewhat clanky and fussy. I like it enough to keep listening, though.
2) It's in the Scherzo, I think. It's that typical descending minor key type passage (e-minor/D/C fpr instance) with the 'Carol of the Bells' type melody. Maybe I got my 'Bells' mixed up, but then again, 'Tubular Bells' and 'Carol of the Bells' do have that same progression.
The pf quintets are groovy. Whatchoo talkin' bout, snypsss?
Quote from: k a rl h e nn i ng on May 20, 2011, 07:04:31 AM
The pf quintets are groovy. Whatchoo talkin' bout, snypsss?
That makes him sound like a snake... a sneaky snake! ;D I have the piano quartets, they are top shelf. I'll have to check out the quintets sometime. :)
Is there a general Martinu thread in the composer section? If there is it is not turning up when I search for it.
Yeah, it's here:
http://www.good-music-guide.com/community/index.php/topic,3689.0.html
Quote from: Velimir on May 22, 2011, 09:52:43 AM
Yeah, it's here:
http://www.good-music-guide.com/community/index.php/topic,3689.0.html
I see, it spell the name properly with that "u" with a circle over it, which the board's search function doesn't consider equivalent to a simple "u". So unless I buy a new keyboard searching for Martinu won't work. Explains why the thread is so short.
Quote from: Il Barone Scarpia on May 22, 2011, 10:37:04 AM
I see, it spell the name properly with that "u" with a circle over it, which the board's search function doesn't consider equivalent to a simple "u". So unless I buy a new keyboard searching for Martinu won't work. Explains why the thread is so short.
'Tis called a kroužek. But that's just me being all diacritical...
Quote from: Luke on May 22, 2011, 10:44:29 AM
'Tis called a kroužek. But that's just me being all diacritical...
Well, whatever it is called, it ain't on my keyboard, so I'll be satisfied with my mention of Martinu (sic) on the "what are you listening to" thread. :P
Hell, me too, I'm more than guilty of this particular sin!
BTW so nice to see all the love for Martinu's Nonet. What a splendid piece it is!
Quote from: Luke on May 22, 2011, 10:56:55 AM
BTW so nice to see all the love for Martinu's Nonet. What a splendid piece it is!
Recently listened to the concerto for two pianos (maybe "the" isn't justified, hard to keep track of whether there is more than one). A nicely done piece, but put together in the standard Martinu fashion. It would be interesting to study the scores, because there is an unmistakable Martinu "sound" that I seem to pick up on immediately. It must be some sort of poly-tonal harmony.
There are certain harmonies and more importantly, certain harmonic changes and modulation that contain that specifically Martinu sound; but more than anything, I think, it is the rhythmic writing. The combination of all these things is why snyppr can talk of 'that' Martinu melody as if there were only one. In a sense, and in only some (but much) of his output, that is true. Sort of.
Quote from: Il Barone Scarpia on May 22, 2011, 10:37:04 AM
I see, it spell the name properly with that "u" with a circle over it, which the board's search function doesn't consider equivalent to a simple "u". So unless I buy a new keyboard searching for Martinu won't work. Explains why the thread is so short.
Just a note that Lethe's Composer Index is probably the most efficient way to find such a thread!
Coming in December:
(http://i.prs.to/t_200/naxos8572251.jpg)
Quote from: Brian on November 01, 2012, 01:53:35 PM
Coming in December:
(http://i.prs.to/t_200/naxos8572251.jpg)
I have the disc by the Abell Trio. Martinu's two main Piano Trios (Late works) are really the cream of 20th-century PTs. Many of the famous Composers didn't write for a lot of the traditional formations, like PT, and, it seems, that Martinu is first choice in a few genres.
Hindemith? No.
Poulenc? No.
Bartok? No.
Prokofiev? No.
This thread is rather neglected of late, so I thought I would revive it by mentioning some chamber works by Martinů that I think are very fine, but which do not seem to have attracted attention here yet:
- Les Rondes (an instrumental septet, originally entitled "Moravian Dances"
- Fantasy for theremin, oboe, piano and string quartet
- Three madrigals for violin and viola
- Sonata for flute, violin and piano
- Promenades for flute violin and harpsichord
- Bergerettes for piano trio
All worthy of frequent attention!
Quote from: Brian on November 01, 2012, 01:53:35 PM
Coming in December:
(http://i.prs.to/t_200/naxos8572251.jpg)
That was part of my Project Martinu the last few weeks. Thought it well done.
Part of the problem involved with the sorting out of Martinu's works involves alternative titles. This CD provides an example: Cinq pieces breves is the title Martinu came to prefer for what was originally Piano Trio No. 1.
That situation isn't helped by the fact that Cinq pieces breves is also the title of a wholly different set of pieces for violin and piano!
Quote from: jidlomonster on December 30, 2017, 04:55:23 PM
- Three madrigals for violin and viola
That's a good one, but the madrigal set I like most is the one for oboe, clarinet and bassoon. A very substantial and inventive piece - sounds like an updated baroque trio sonata.
'Les madrigaux' - an interesting choice. Not a piece I listen to a great deal, even though I have a score of it. I find it a bit sour - but my preference on the whole is for the more cheerful side of Martinů's musical personality. I should probably return to the wind trio and work at it a little harder. Another favourite among his madrigal compositions, for me, is the Madrigal Sonata, which I really should have included in my original list!
Quote from: jidlomonster on December 30, 2017, 04:55:23 PM
This thread is rather neglected of late, so I thought I would revive it by mentioning some chamber works by Martinů that I think are very fine, but which do not seem to have attracted attention here yet:
- Les Rondes (an instrumental septet, originally entitled "Moravian Dances"
- Fantasy for theremin, oboe, piano and string quartet
- Three madrigals for violin and viola
- Sonata for flute, violin and piano
- Promenades for flute violin and harpsichord
- Bergerettes for piano trio
All worthy of frequent attention!
A fine list, but I do not know the
Fantasy for theremin, oboe, piano, and string quartet. I'm not really sure how I feel about the theremin to be honest, so this probably has something to do with my hesitation to check it out. ;) One of my absolute favorite chambers works is
Musique de Chambre No. 1 for clarinet, violin, viola, cello, harp and piano, H 376. Do you know this one, Michael? I think it captures a certain sense of nostalgia and longing for his homeland that is quite compelling.
Quote from: jidlomonster on December 30, 2017, 04:55:23 PM
This thread is rather neglected of late, so I thought I would revive it by mentioning some chamber works by Martinů that I think are very fine, but which do not seem to have attracted attention here yet:
- Les Rondes (an instrumental septet, originally entitled "Moravian Dances"
- Fantasy for theremin, oboe, piano and string quartet
- Three madrigals for violin and viola
- Sonata for flute, violin and piano
- Promenades for flute violin and harpsichord
- Bergerettes for piano trio
All worthy of frequent attention!
except for the theremin fantasy and perhaps the madrigals* all of these have been recorded on Naxos. What do you think of those performances? (Asking because the bulk of my Martinu chamber works consists of these.)
*Some of the madrigals appear on the Naxos CDs, but off the top of my head I'm not sure which combinations of instruments are involved.
Since I haven't really contributed much to this thread, here are some of my favorite Martinů chamber works (in no particular order):
- Musique de Chambre No. 1 for clarinet, violin, viola, cello, harp and piano, H 376
- String Sextet, H 224
- Piano Quintet No. 2, H 298
- Sonata for two violins & piano, H 213
- Nonet, H 374
- Rhythmic Études for violin & piano, H 202
- Sonata for viola & piano, H 355
- Five Madrigal Stanzas for violin & piano, H 297
- Bergerettes for piano trio, H 275
- Trio for flute, cello, & piano, H 300
Quote from: snyprrr on November 03, 2012, 08:08:05 AM
I have the disc by the Abell Trio. Martinu's two main Piano Trios (Late works) are really the cream of 20th-century PTs. Many of the famous Composers didn't write for a lot of the traditional formations, like PT, and, it seems, that Martinu is first choice in a few genres.
There is also a fine disc of the Piano Trios from the Smetana Trio (Supraphon, 2016).
There was a music competition going on at the school where I worked today and I overheard a beautiful piece of chamber music. After it finished I congratulated the young and very talented clarinettist and asked her what it was - it turned out to be the middle movement from Martinu's 'Sonatina for Clarinet and Piano'. She said that she regarded it as one of Martinu's finest works.
Quote from: vandermolen on April 27, 2022, 11:40:31 AM
There was a music competition going on at the school where I worked today and I overheard a beautiful piece of chamber music. After it finished I congratulated the young and very talented clarinettist and asked her what it was - it turned out to be the middle movement from Martinu's 'Sonatina for Clarinet and Piano'. She said that she regarded it as one of Martinu's finest works.
Nice, Jeffrey. Not to sound like skeptic, but I'd have to know how much of Martinů's chamber music she actually knows. If her knowledge of the composer runs deep, then I'd happy nod my head (even though I disagree with her). Plus, she's a clarinetist, so obviously she might show a bit of a bias towards those pieces that feature her instrument.
As an aside, I wish a moderator would merge this thread with the already existing Martinů thread.
My favorites are the cello sonatas, string quartets and piano quintets. :)
Good to know - maybe as a young clarinettist she was naturally enthusiastic about the work.
Quote from: vandermolen on April 27, 2022, 11:54:55 AM
Good to know - maybe as a young clarinettist she was naturally enthusiastic about the work.
I'm sure that's true. I doubt she was setting herself up as a "
Martinů expert."
Quote from: k a rl h e nn i ng on April 27, 2022, 12:02:22 PM
I'm sure that's true. I doubt she was setting herself up as a "Martinů expert."
Well we know better than to trust a clarinet player though... oh wait. :D
Quote from: DavidW on April 27, 2022, 12:38:30 PM
Well we know better than to trust a clarinet player though... oh wait. :D
;D
Quote from: DavidW on April 27, 2022, 12:38:30 PM
Well we know better than to trust a clarinet player though... oh wait. :D
Damn those clarinetists! :P ;)