Favorite Martinů Symphony

[Archaic Torso of Apollo]

Let's keep this Martinů trend going. 

Vote for one.

[Sergeant Rock]

4 is too obvious. 2, 3 or 5... 2, 3 or 5... which to vote for 


Sarge

[SymphonicAddict]

It may change in meantime, but currently my favorite is the No. 3. My general order would be like that:

3
4
5 and 1 - tie
6
2

[springrite]

3, followed very closely by 4. Then I'd say 1, 2, 5, 6

Never into #6 after all these years.

[Daverz]

I'd try Munch in 6:

https://www.prestoclassical.co.uk/classical/products/8176244--piston-symphony-no-6-martinu-fantaisies-symphoniques

Or in the Sony Munch box.

[Archaic Torso of Apollo]

4 is too obvious.
Sarge

Which is why I voted for it, I guess...probably also because it's the only one I've heard live.

I love all the symphonies, but I find 3, 4 and 6 slightly superior to 1, 2 and 5. Although 5 has the single greatest Martinu symphonic movement (the finale).

[Mirror Image]

Great poll! I voted for Symphony No. 3. I find this to be a disturbing work and it's darkly hued atmosphere appeals to me greatly. That Largo movement is a masterpiece within itself (I believe it's a reworking of the Largo movement of Piano Quintet No. 2). After the 3rd, my vote goes to the 4th, 6th, 2nd, 1st, and 5th (in that order).

[vandermolen]

Great poll! I voted for Symphony No. 3. I find this to be a disturbing work and it's darkly hued atmosphere appeals to me greatly. That Largo movement is a masterpiece within itself (I believe it's a reworking of the Largo movement of Piano Quintet No. 2). After the 3rd, my vote goes to the 4th, 6th, 2nd, 1st, and 5th (in that order).

This is probably my list too although I'd reverse the order of 3 and 4.

[Mirror Image]

This is probably my list too although I'd reverse the order of 3 and 4.

I was initially going to vote for the 4th, but the 3rd has made quite the lasting impression on me lately. Truth be told, I love ALL of Martinu's symphonies, but, since this poll calls for us to vote for only one favorite, I went with the 3rd.

[amw]

"The last one I listened to"

today I would order them 1 2 3 5 4 6 but this is always subject to change.

[Mirror Image]

The 3rd and 4th symphonies are tied up right now. That's not surprising. The 4th gets a lot of praise (and rightfully so) whereas the 3rd is the dark horse of the two.

[Mirror Image]

"The last one I listened to"

Ain't that the truth! They're all so fantastic.

[vandermolen]

I was initially going to vote for the 4th, but the 3rd has made quite the lasting impression on me lately. Truth be told, I love ALL of Martinu's symphonies, but, since this poll calls for us to vote for only one favorite, I went with the 3rd.

I like all the symphonies as well.

[Mirror Image]

I like all the symphonies as well.

I wish there was a thumbs up emoticon here on GMG. Since there's not...

[Mirror Image]

It may change in meantime, but currently my favorite is the No. 3. My general order would be like that:

3
4
5 and 1 - tie
6
2

I've really come around to the 2nd. I view it as a 'pastoral symphony' of sorts. It does, however, have a brooding undercurrent that makes me think it's more than Martinu in a lighter mood.

[SymphonicAddict]

I've really come around to the 2nd. I view it as a 'pastoral symphony' of sorts. It does, however, have a brooding undercurrent that makes me think it's more than Martinu in a lighter mood.

Lately I've appreciated more the 6th. It's the more abstract and 'rarer' symphony by him, as it happens in Nielsen's 6th. The 2nd is rather calmed and happy, yet I find it less attractive, but it doesn't mean I don't like it. There is no any dull symphony that Martinu has written.

[Mirror Image]

Lately I've appreciated more the 6th. It's the more abstract and 'rarer' symphony by him, as it happens in Nielsen's 6th. The 2nd is rather calm and happy, yet I find it less attractive, but it doesn't mean I don't like it. There is no any dull symphony that Martinu has written.

The 6th certainly is an ear-opening work. From on the onset, you're thrown into a hallucinogenic soundscape. It's like a drug-induced state of wonderment. The last movement of the 6th is one of Martinu's most astonishing orchestral creations IMHO. But, I agree with you, there's never a dull moment in these symphonies. I do ask if you'll give the 2nd another listen as I do find there to be much sadness in the second movement, Andante moderato. Also, the 2nd, by direct comparison to the 6th, to make a contrast since you mentioned this symphony, is more subtle in it's musical expression.

[vandermolen]

The 6th certainly is an ear-opening work. From on the onset, you're thrown into a hallucinogenic soundscape. It's like a drug-induced state of wonderment. The last movement of the 6th is one of Martinu's most astonishing orchestral creations IMHO. But, I agree with you, there's never a dull moment in these symphonies. I do ask if you'll give the 2nd another listen as I do find there to be much sadness in the second movement, Andante moderato. Also, the 2nd, by direct comparison to the 6th, to make a contrast since you mentioned this symphony, is more subtle in it's musical expression.

Very much agree with you. No.6 is a magical work - I find it rather moving in places.

[Brian]

2 & 4

The only one I've never really understood was 1. Not sure I like 5 very much, but that is subject to change.

3 and 6 are great too, but I naturally gravitate towards the happier stuff.

[Mirror Image]

2 & 4

The only one I've never really understood was 1. Not sure I like 5 very much, but that is subject to change.

3 and 6 are great too, but I naturally gravitate towards the happier stuff.

Interesting. I don't find the 2nd to be 'happy' at all or at least not for the entire duration of the symphony. As I mentioned, I find there to be several tinges of melancholy, especially in the slow movement.