Congratulations to all the musicians and other people who are making sure Martinu gets more attention from the general public. He richly deserves it as these cello sonatas and many other pieces by him prove.
The three cello sonatas (H 277, H 286, and H 340) were composed by the Czech composer Bohuslav Martinů. Martinů was one of the most prolific composers of the 20th century, and his works are known for their distinct combination of neoclassicism, modernism, and influences from Czech folk music. Martinů's cello sonatas are renowned for their expressive depth and the intricate relationship between the cello and the piano. They are staples in the cello repertoire and are frequently performed and recorded by cellists around the world. Cello Sonata No. 1, H 277 (1939, Paris) This sonata was composed while Martinů was living in Paris, a city that had a significant impact on his musical style. The work is characteristic of his neoclassical style, blending rhythmic vitality with lyricism. The sonata has three movements: Poco allegro Andante Allegro (poco meno) Cello Sonata No. 2, H 286 (1941, Jamaica, Long Island) By the time Martinů wrote his second cello sonata, he had fled Paris due to the outbreak of World War II and was living in the USA. This piece is a bit more introspective than the first, possibly reflecting the turmoil and upheaval of the times. It also consists of three movements: Allegro Largo Allegro commodo Cello Sonata No. 3, H 340 (1952, Vieux-Moulin) Composed over a decade after the second, this sonata captures a different aspect of Martinů's musical evolution. By this time, he had returned to Europe, and the sonata might reflect his experiences during and after the war. The sonata showcases a mature style and a deep emotional connection between the two instruments. Like the previous two, it also has three movements: Poco andante - Moderato - Allegro Andante Allegro (ma non presto)
The cello sonatas have always appeared to me as one of the finest achievements of Martinu in the domain of the chamber music. Is there some attraction between the composer and the cello? Maybe.
I agree that they're very strong works, and the set of 3 belong among his best, period. Yet there's much more to his chamber music that deserves strong applause, with and without the cello. His 2nd piano quintet, to me, is every bit as monumental, and the lightweight flute trios (comb. with pno, harpsd, clo & vln), the Sonatina for 2 violins and piano, his Nonet, and some Madrigal music for winds. Even the Revue and more than one of his Str 4tets deserve high praise. As for performances, I'm partial to the Starker/Firkusny set, even though I like what I'm hearing now! Was in Prague last summer for my first time, and was disappointed that all they seem to revere is ...Vivaldi! With such a treasure as Martinu, you'd think differently. I did.
@@bbailey17b unfortunately, when you come out of the artist sphere in Czechia, you see that Martinů is horrendously underappreciated. Fortunately there are many musicians who are trying to introduce him to the public, so we'll see eventually...
@@1lekhine Many thanks. I'm a Martinu head-banger from way back, and think his chamber output is unequalled. There's a lot more, too, though I admit I think I've lost arguments trying to defend .some. of his orchestral output from the charge of repetitiveness. I doubt he devoted much time and attention to editing, reworking, polishing up a lot of it. Hence its abundance. They say van Gogh used to chuck completed paintings behind his bed, some of them masterpieces. I wonder about BM. Like another hero of mine, Thelonious Monk, I'm curious about his mental health, and wish for some psychological analysis of the artist in relation to his output.
Do try the Janos Starker/R Firkusny version. Rudolph F was known to Martinu, and the dedicatee of at least one of his piano concertos. And Starker was no shrinking violet. Their balance was perfect (not that I agree that Chuchro is underprofiled here).
@@bbailey17b If you haven't already, seek out Steven Isserlis's second recording of the sonatas (on the BIS label). In my opinion, it transcends all previous recordings.
Congratulations to all the musicians and other people who are making sure Martinu gets more attention from the general public. He richly deserves it as these cello sonatas and many other pieces by him prove.
@richardrickford3028 -- Astonishing complexity and melodic innovation......BRAVO from Acapulco!
Martinu was a force to be reckoned with.
Sonata n°2 : 19:18
Sonata n°3 : 39:57 (for me, the best one)
The three cello sonatas (H 277, H 286, and H 340) were composed by the Czech composer Bohuslav Martinů. Martinů was one of the most prolific composers of the 20th century, and his works are known for their distinct combination of neoclassicism, modernism, and influences from Czech folk music.
Martinů's cello sonatas are renowned for their expressive depth and the intricate relationship between the cello and the piano. They are staples in the cello repertoire and are frequently performed and recorded by cellists around the world.
Cello Sonata No. 1, H 277 (1939, Paris)
This sonata was composed while Martinů was living in Paris, a city that had a significant impact on his musical style. The work is characteristic of his neoclassical style, blending rhythmic vitality with lyricism. The sonata has three movements:
Poco allegro
Andante
Allegro (poco meno)
Cello Sonata No. 2, H 286 (1941, Jamaica, Long Island)
By the time Martinů wrote his second cello sonata, he had fled Paris due to the outbreak of World War II and was living in the USA. This piece is a bit more introspective than the first, possibly reflecting the turmoil and upheaval of the times. It also consists of three movements:
Allegro
Largo
Allegro commodo
Cello Sonata No. 3, H 340 (1952, Vieux-Moulin)
Composed over a decade after the second, this sonata captures a different aspect of Martinů's musical evolution. By this time, he had returned to Europe, and the sonata might reflect his experiences during and after the war. The sonata showcases a mature style and a deep emotional connection between the two instruments. Like the previous two, it also has three movements:
Poco andante - Moderato - Allegro
Andante
Allegro (ma non presto)
Thank you for posting all this detail. It is really interesting.
great! Martinu rocks!!
superb
The cello sonatas have always appeared to me as one of the finest achievements of Martinu in the domain of the chamber music. Is there some attraction between the composer and the cello? Maybe.
I agree that they're very strong works, and the set of 3 belong among his best, period. Yet there's much more to his chamber music that deserves strong applause, with and without the cello. His 2nd piano quintet, to me, is every bit as monumental, and the lightweight flute trios (comb. with pno, harpsd, clo & vln), the Sonatina for 2 violins and piano, his Nonet, and some Madrigal music for winds. Even the Revue and more than one of his Str 4tets deserve high praise.
As for performances, I'm partial to the Starker/Firkusny set, even though I like what I'm hearing now!
Was in Prague last summer for my first time, and was disappointed that all they seem to revere is ...Vivaldi!
With such a treasure as Martinu, you'd think differently. I did.
@@bbailey17b unfortunately, when you come out of the artist sphere in Czechia, you see that Martinů is horrendously underappreciated. Fortunately there are many musicians who are trying to introduce him to the public, so we'll see eventually...
@@bbailey17b Excellent commentary 🎼🎻🎹👍
@@1lekhine Many thanks. I'm a Martinu head-banger from way back, and think his chamber output is unequalled.
There's a lot more, too, though I admit I think I've lost arguments trying to defend .some. of his orchestral output from the charge of repetitiveness. I doubt he devoted much time and attention to editing, reworking, polishing up a lot of it. Hence its abundance.
They say van Gogh used to chuck completed paintings behind his bed, some of them masterpieces.
I wonder about BM. Like another hero of mine, Thelonious Monk, I'm curious about his mental health, and wish for some psychological analysis of the artist in relation to his output.
@@bbailey17b -- There's a fine line between Genius and Insanity.....they ERASED this. Cheers from Acapulco!
thank you!!
why no introduction?
It seems like the piano only is playing, the cello just scratches some low notes all the time in the un-audible register. Very peculiar cello writing.
Do try the Janos Starker/R Firkusny version.
Rudolph F was known to Martinu, and the dedicatee of at least one of his piano concertos.
And Starker was no shrinking violet. Their balance was perfect (not that I agree that Chuchro is underprofiled here).
@@bbailey17b If you haven't already, seek out Steven Isserlis's second recording of the sonatas (on the BIS label). In my opinion, it transcends all previous recordings.