Martinu: Chamber Works
View record and artist detailsRecord and Artist Details
Composer or Director: Bohuslav (Jan) Martinu
Label: Hyperion
Magazine Review Date: 3/1985
Media Format: CD or Download
Media Runtime: 57
Mastering:
ADD
Catalogue Number: CDA66133

Tracks:
Composition | Artist Credit |
---|---|
(5) Madrigal stanzas |
Bohuslav (Jan) Martinu, Composer
Bohuslav (Jan) Martinu, Composer Dartington Ensemble |
(4) Madrigals |
Bohuslav (Jan) Martinu, Composer
Bohuslav (Jan) Martinu, Composer Dartington Ensemble |
(3) Madrigals |
Bohuslav (Jan) Martinu, Composer
Bohuslav (Jan) Martinu, Composer Dartington Ensemble |
Madrigal Sonata |
Bohuslav (Jan) Martinu, Composer
Bohuslav (Jan) Martinu, Composer Dartington Ensemble |
Composer or Director: Bohuslav (Jan) Martinu
Label: Hyperion
Magazine Review Date: 3/1985
Media Format: Vinyl
Media Runtime: 0
Mastering:
ADD
Catalogue Number: A66133

Tracks:
Composition | Artist Credit |
---|---|
(5) Madrigal stanzas |
Bohuslav (Jan) Martinu, Composer
Bohuslav (Jan) Martinu, Composer Dartington Ensemble |
(4) Madrigals |
Bohuslav (Jan) Martinu, Composer
Bohuslav (Jan) Martinu, Composer Dartington Ensemble |
(3) Madrigals |
Bohuslav (Jan) Martinu, Composer
Bohuslav (Jan) Martinu, Composer Dartington Ensemble |
Madrigal Sonata |
Bohuslav (Jan) Martinu, Composer
Bohuslav (Jan) Martinu, Composer Dartington Ensemble |
Composer or Director: Bohuslav (Jan) Martinu
Label: Hyperion
Magazine Review Date: 3/1985
Media Format: Cassette
Media Runtime: 0
Mastering:
ADD
Catalogue Number: KA66133

Tracks:
Composition | Artist Credit |
---|---|
(5) Madrigal stanzas |
Bohuslav (Jan) Martinu, Composer
Bohuslav (Jan) Martinu, Composer Dartington Ensemble |
(4) Madrigals |
Bohuslav (Jan) Martinu, Composer
Bohuslav (Jan) Martinu, Composer Dartington Ensemble |
(3) Madrigals |
Bohuslav (Jan) Martinu, Composer
Bohuslav (Jan) Martinu, Composer Dartington Ensemble |
Madrigal Sonata |
Bohuslav (Jan) Martinu, Composer
Bohuslav (Jan) Martinu, Composer Dartington Ensemble |
Author:
Fortunately the other pieces have a stronger, spicier flavour. There is something refreshingly Stravinskian about the 4 Madrigals for wind trio, though again these are not pieces that I should wish to hear more than a few times. Slightly less caustic is the Madrigal Sonata for piano, flute and violin, one of the first works Martinu wrote during his years in America. Although the ideas here are strong enough in themselves, the flow of invention has far too little thrust to drive the music forward, and the result is insubstantial.
Of the four works it is in fact only the group of 3 Madrigals for violin and viola that does not overstay its welcome. On the contrary, these are magical pieces, crisply played in a sympathetically resonant acoustic. The opening Poco allegro alone would be sufficient to confirm the pure genius of Martinu's lyricism when it is at its best, and the ensuing Poco andante—a splendidly ethereal study in tremolando texture—provides excellent contrast before the final Scarlattian Allegro. Throughout the record the Dartington Ensemble plays with easy expertise and much spirit. Their pioneering work on Martinu's behalf is wholly commendable, and I'm only sorry that on this occasion they have stumbled upon works that are a little sub-standard.'
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