Bohuslav Martunu is one of the most remarkable 20th century Czech composers. Born in Bohemia, he remains deeply attached to his country and folk traditions up to the end of his life. The present album includes works from his Paris period (1923-1940) when he lived in the French capital. His orchestral compositions were popular since the mid-twenties of the 20th century and he became famous both in Europe and overseas. Many of his works written at that time combine the expressive means of the Baroque, Classisism and Jazz and the influence of Debussy and Ravel is deeply felt even though what dominates are the intonations and metrorhythms of Czech origin. This is true for Pastorales, H 190, as well as for Miniature Suite, H 192. The whole CD reveals part of Bohuslav Martinu's wonderful world, who vividly represents the musical culture of the century. This splendid music is performed with great skill by Anatoli Krastev and Krassimir Taskov.
BOHUSLAV MARTINU · WORKS FOR VIOLONCELLO AND PIANO
Track Listing
Ariette, H 188 B
[1] Allegro 1'44''
Pastorales, H 190
[2] 1. Andante 5'54''
[3] 2. Allegretto moderato 2'14''
[4] 3. Adagio 5'52''
[5] 4. Moderato 2'37''
[6] 5. Largo 5'50''
[7] 6. Allegretto 3'18''
Miniature Suite, H 192
[8] 1. Moderato 1'28''
[9] 2. Poco andante 2'15''
[10] 3. Poco moderato 1'21''
[11] 4. Andante 1'43''
[12] 5. Poco allegro 1'22''
[13] 6. Allegretto 1'09''
[14] 7. Moderato 1'42''
Nocturnes, H 189
[15] 1. Andantino moderato 2'38''
[16] 2. Lento 6'30''
[17] 3. Moderato 3'59''
[18] 4. Allegretto moderato 2'04''
Variations on a Theme by Rossini, H 290
[19] Theme - Poco allegro. Allegro moderato 1'02''
[20] Variation I. Poco allegro 0'49''
[21] Variation II. Poco piu allegro 1'43''
[22] Variation III. Andante 2'21''
[23] Variation IV. Allegro. Vivo. Moderato maestoso 1'44''
DDD 62'28''
Participating
Anatoli Krastev, violoncello
Krassimir Taskov, piano