Album

The cello works of Czech composer Bohuslav Martinu—from the many concertos, sonatas, and other chamber works in which the cello figures prominently—are among the most criminally neglected in the repertoire. Heard on this Chandos disc are three of the four concertos, performed by cellist Raphael Wallfisch and the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra under Jirí Belohlávek. The first concerto, which Martinu revised twice, began its existence in 1930 but did not come to its final, current version until 1955. Of the two major concertos, the first is by far the most technically flamboyant but is never virtuosic for the sake of ostentation. It is filled with Martinu's trademark rhythmic complexity, frequent harmonic shifts, and rich orchestration. Though filled with clear examples of the Czech folk idiom, the concerto also has several moments that sound, amusingly, like clips from American westerns. Written in the shadows of war, the Second Concerto has a much more pastoral, intimate feeling and incorporates a good deal more lyricism in the cello part. The Concertino, H. 143, for cello, wind instruments, piano, and percussion is Martinu's first foray into the genre. While not as satisfying as the two prior works, it is still an enjoyable display of the young composer's work. Originally released in 1992, Chandos makes a wise decision to reissue this disc. Wallfisch's playing is technically brilliant and musically satisfying. His articulation, even in the most rapid, technical passages, is as clear and lucid as could ever be hoped for. The intensity and continuity of musical lines achieved in the Second Concerto will leave listeners wondering why this concerto is not performed more frequently. The Czech Philharmonic provides a brilliant, dynamic backdrop that never covers the soloist.

© Mike D. Brownell, All Music Guide

CD 1
Bohuslav Martinů Composer Cello Concerto No.1, H.196 (3 versions) Work 26:06 Czech Philharmonic Orchestra Orchestra, Raphael Wallfisch Cello, Jirí Belohlávek Conductor
1	1.Allegro moderato	8:46			$1.49
2	2.Andante moderato	10:20			$1.99
3	3.Allegro. Andantino. Tempo 1	7:00			$1.49
Bohuslav Martinů Composer Cello Concerto No.2, H.304 Work 35:59 Czech Philharmonic Orchestra Orchestra, Raphael Wallfisch Cello, Jirí Belohlávek Conductor
4	1.Moderato	13:05			$2.49
5	2.Andante poco moderato	14:10			$2.49
6	3.Allegro	8:44			$1.49
Bohuslav Martinů Composer Concertino in C- for Cello, Wind and Brass Ensemble, Percussion, and Piano H.143 Work Czech Philharmonic Orchestra, members Orchestra, Raphael Wallfisch Cello, Jirí Belohlávek Conductor
7	Concertino in C- for Cello, Wind and Brass Ensemble, Percussion, and Piano H.143	13:54			$2.49