MARTINŮ Špalíček: Suites. Rhapsody Concerto
View record and artist detailsRecord and Artist Details
Composer or Director: Bohuslav (Jan) Martinu
Genre:
Orchestral
Label: Chandos
Magazine Review Date: 03/2016
Media Format: CD or Download
Media Runtime: 64
Mastering:
DDD
Catalogue Number: CHAN10885
Tracks:
Composition | Artist Credit |
---|---|
Spalícek, Movement: Suite No 1 |
Bohuslav (Jan) Martinu, Composer
Bohuslav (Jan) Martinu, Composer Estonian National Symphony Orchestra Neeme Järvi, Conductor |
Spalícek, Movement: Suite No 2 |
Bohuslav (Jan) Martinu, Composer
Bohuslav (Jan) Martinu, Composer Estonian National Symphony Orchestra Neeme Järvi, Conductor |
Rhapsody-Concerto for Viola and Orchestra |
Bohuslav (Jan) Martinu, Composer
Bohuslav (Jan) Martinu, Composer Estonian National Symphony Orchestra Mikhail Zemtsov, Viola Neeme Järvi, Conductor |
Author: Tim Ashley
Written in Paris in 1932 and reworked for larger forces in 1947, Špalíček (‘Chapbook’) is in some ways unclassifiable. It’s usually simply called a ballet, though in his booklet-notes Jan Smaczny argues that ‘opera-ballet’ is a better description. In essence, it’s a piece for players, dancers and singers, somewhat like Stravinsky’s Pulcinella. The narrative weaves together familiar fairy tales (Cinderella, Puss-in-Boots) with Czech folk legends, and the score shows Martinů at his eclectic best, juxtaposing folk themes, mock-Baroque flourishes and Les Six-inflected modernism. The orchestral suites, arranged by Martinů’s compatriot Miloš Říha, are wonderfully elegant and witty, though the second, closely following the Act 2 narrative, has a stop-start feel with the vocal numbers omitted. Järvi conducts with bags of panache and charm, and there’s real magic in Cinderella’s ball scene, where a poised cabaret waltz forms the theme for a set of variations that eventually glows with passion. It will probably leave you hankering after the whole thing, in which case you need to turn to František Jílek or Jiří Bělohlávek (both Supraphon).
The nostalgic 1951 Rhapsody-Concerto has been well served on disc, not least by Maxim Rysanov’s poised account with Bělohlávek and the BBC Symphony Orchestra (BIS, 6/15). Järvi and Mikhail Zemtsov are altogether more emotive, big-boned and overtly Romantic. Zemtsov plays with dark, moody lyricism throughout. The orchestral strings sound very plush – a bit too much so in places. Bělohlávek just has the edge here, but this is an affecting performance nevertheless.
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