Martinu: Cello Concertos Nos. 1 & 2; Concertino

On this CD:

1. Cello Concerto No. 1 (3 versions), H. 196
Composed by Bohuslav Martinu
Performed by Czech Philharmonic Orchestra with Raphael Wallfisch
Conducted by Jiri Belohlavek, Bohumil Kotmel

2. Cello Concerto No. 2, H. 304
Composed by Bohuslav Martinu
Performed by Czech Philharmonic Orchestra with Raphael Wallfisch
Conducted by Jiri Belohlavek, Josef Kroft

3. Concertino for cello & small orchestra in C minor, H. 143
Composed by Bohuslav Martinu
Performed by Czech Philharmonic Orchestra with Raphael Wallfisch
Conducted by Jiri Belohlavek

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
The First Cello Concerto was rewritten several times on the way to its final incarnation, and it's a major addition to the small but distinguished body of great music for cello and orchestra. The Second Concerto needs more persuasive advocacy. It's a big, Romantic work that can seem to hang fire unless given the right dose of urgency. I don't think that these performers quite manage to bring it off, but you still get a good sense of the music's potential. Besides, the spiky Concertino is an attractive bonus, one of the many neoclassical confections that Martinu produced with unflagging expertise throughout his entire life. --David Hurwitz

Tracks:

Concerto No. 1 For Cello And Orchestra: I. Allegro Moderato
Concerto No. 1 For Cello And Orchestra: II. Andante Moderato
Concerto No. 1 For Cello And Orchestra: III. Allegro
Concerto No. 2 For Cello And Orchestra: I. Moderato
Concerto No. 2 For Cello And Orchestra: II. Andante Poco Moderato
Concerto No. 2 For Cello And Orchestra: III. Allegro

Customer Reviews:

Two outstanding cello concertos.......2006-08-21

The music of Czech composer Bohuslav Martinu (1890-1959) has remained on the outskirts of mainstream classical music. However, much of his vast output (thankfully) is becoming better known thanks to recordings on the Naxos, CPO, and Supraphon labels. Here we have Martinu's two cello concertos recorded by the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra. Martinu has an immediately recognizable voice. His music is a cross between Romanticism and the neo-Baroque, while his melody is intensely lyrical and draws some inspiration from Czech folk music. Recurring syncopated fragments are often the defining characteristic of Martinu's faster movements. Note however, that Martinu's use of syncopation is quite different from the American use of syncopation (Listen to the sound clip for Track 4 to hear an example of this syncopated style). But the most important thing to know about Martinu's works is that they are immediately accessible and highly interesting.

The two cello concertos are in the traditional fast-slow-fast three movement form. Martinu's bubbly style keeps the listener engaged in the fast movements, while the inner movements are lovely and lyrical. The second cello concerto, which was not performed in the composer's lifetime, is especially stunning. The solo playing by Angelica May in the central movement of this concerto is quite lovely. Martinu's unique chord progressions (8:50-minute-mark) and the exotic descending cello line (10:40-minute-mark) within this movement are particularly haunting. The finale of the second concerto is among the most energetic of Martinu's compositions (Track 6). The exhilarating final section of this movement, full of cello virtuosity and orchestral syncopations, would certainly ensure that this piece would be a success at a live concert.

In short, the music is fantastic and the performances here more than do the music justice. If you are familiar with Martinu, and enjoy his style, you should pick this disc up. If, from your perspective, Martinu happens to be within the dark territory of classical music you should definitely sample his works; and this outstanding release would serve as good a place as any to illuminate Martinu's highly attractive compositional style. Get it - you won't be disappointed.

Highly recommended!

64:12

Martinu: Cello Concertos Nos. 1 & 2; Concertino

Average customer rating:

Martinu: Cello Concertos Nos. 1 & 2; Concertino

Manufacturer: Chandos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Hindemith: Complete Cello Concertos
Martinu: Cello Sonatas

ASIN: B000000AOE
Release Date: 1992-10-28

Tracks:

Concerto For Cello And Orchestra No.1: Allegro moderato
Concerto For Cello And Orchestra No.1: Andante moderato
Concerto For Cello And Orchestra No.1: Allegro - Andantino - Tempo 1
Concerto For Cello And Orchestra No.2: Moderato
Concerto For Cello And Orchestra No.2: Andante poco moderato
Concerto For Cello And Orchestra No.2: Allegro
Concertino In C Minor For Cello, Wind Instruments, Piano And Percussion

Amazon.com

The First Cello Concerto was rewritten several times on the way to its final incarnation, and it's a major addition to the small but distinguished body of great music for cello and orchestra. The Second Concerto needs more persuasive advocacy. It's a big, Romantic work that can seem to hang fire unless given the right dose of urgency. I don't think that these performers quite manage to bring it off, but you still get a good sense of the music's potential. Besides, the spiky Concertino is an attractive bonus, one of the many neoclassical confections that Martinu produced with unflagging expertise throughout his entire life. --David Hurwitz

Music Review:

Music Review

music review

Recommended Music:

Dance Attack, Vol. 2 [Import]

MOZART: Symphony No. 41 - Ansermet - Orchestra de la Suisse Romande

Le Dimanche Des Rameaux

Music: When the Night Is Through

Orange County [Soundtrack]

Man & His Music (Remixes From Around the World)

Masked & Anonymous [Soundtrack]

Lush One

Kalpana-Improvisations: Instrumental & Dance Music of India [Import]

Lili Kraus Plays Mozart

Monument - The Soundtrack

Lass Die Liebe Aus Dem [Import]

R&G [Import]

Middle Class White Boy

Daddies Sing GoodNight: A Fathers' Collection of Sleepytime Songs