Martinu: Music for Violin & Orchestra Vol.1 [Import]

Hogwood; Matousek; Pasquier; Koh; Thomsen (Artist), Martinu (Composer), Hogwood; Christopher (Conductor), Czech Philharmonic (Orchestra), Matousek; Bohuslav (Performer) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Performer: Matousek; Bohuslav
• Orchestra: Czech Philharmonic
• Conductor: Hogwood; Christopher
• Composer: Martinu
• Audio CD (October 9, 2007)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Import
• Label: Hyperion
• ASIN: B000VIFLQ4
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #204,349 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

1. Allegro Moderato

2. Adagio

3. Poco Allegretto

4. Poco Allegro

5. Adagio

6. Allegro

7. Poco Allegro

8. Moderato - Piu Vivo - Tempo Primo

9. Allegro Con Brio - Vivo (Presto)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Outstanding, October 10, 2008

By 

Solanales (Saint Paul, Minnesota United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Martinu: Music for Violin & Orchestra Vol.1 (Audio CD)

Whether you are already committed or are new to the powerful works of Bohuslav Martinu, this CD will provide thrilling insights into this marvelous composer of the twentieth century. His compositions, at least in U.S. concert halls, are regrettably under-represented.

I recommend that you listen first to the rarely-performed Concerto for Two Violins in D major (H329), a work inspired by Bach's great masterwork of the same name, in D minor (BWV 1043). From the first orchestral chords of the Poco Allegro movement, you will be captured by a work of strength and vitality. By the last of the three movements, I think that you will be fully drawn into Martinu's musical world.

Next, explore the Concerto for flute and violin (H252). This is an uncommon instrumental pairing in the concerto form, but it works well under Martinu's pen. The hymn-like theme introduced a minute and a half into the first (Allegro moderato) movement emerges sweetly and without pretension, and is evocative of Ravel. It becomes the subject of variation between flute and violin through the work. A beacon of hope in a troubled world.

Finally, lend your ear to the Duo Concertante for two violins (H264). This is a spiky, neoclassical work in a Stravinskian vein. Unlike related works for violin by Stravinsky which strike me as rather sterile or cold, this remains good-natured and has joy and warmth characteristic of Martinu.

The performances rendered by the soloists under the baton of Christopher Hogwood, are excellent. A special kudo goes to the lead violinist, Bohuslav Matousek, whose playing is incandescent at times.

Overall, an outstanding disc. There is a cheaper alternative for H329 and H264 on Arte Nova by the Vienna Symphony under Marcello Viotti. The former work is also included with Szymanowski's Second Violin Concerto on a Koch Discover CD with Rudolf Barshai conducting the Brussels RTBF Orchestra. I have not listened to these alternative CDs however, and can't comment on the performances. If you want to explore Martinu further, check out the incredible Chandos CD containing the Sinfonietta La Jolla and the Toccata and Two Canzoni by the Bournemouth Sinfonietta under Tamas Vasary.

4.0 out of 5 stars for love martinu music, January 17, 2011

By 

Cesar Lares (caracas venezuela) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Martinu: Music for Violin & Orchestra Vol.1 (Audio CD)

yes, the more i hear martinu music the more i love his music, in fact all the 4 cds of the serie are indispensable hearing if you fell any intrigue about this great composer, good violin player and also very good suport of orchestra and conductor, the sound is a bit resonance for my taste, not in the demostration class, but the music is.

if you like this music dont hesitate and go for the complete music for violin and piano on supraphone by the same violinist.