Martinů: Complete Symphonies
Bamberg Symphony Orchestra (Deutsche Grammophon)
Bohuslav Martinů’s symphonies – six, each fairly short, all written in the Czech composer’s American exile between 1941 and 1953 – have many devotees but are not mainstream repertoire. There is, for example, no work at all by Martinů in this year’s Proms. The exemplary new cycle by the Bamberg Symphony Orchestra, led by its chief conductor Jakub Hrůša (Deutsche Grammophon, three CDs) should change that immediately. The meeting of styles, from crisp neoclassical to Czech folk-inspired, is handled with dexterity: by Hrůša in terms of tempo and shape; by the orchestra (whom he knows well after a decade at the helm) in colour, precision and character. The racing Scherzo of No 1, or the extrovert, brassy Poco allegro of No 2, contrast sharply with the darkness of No 3, the yearning of No 4, the intensity of No 5 and the singular, dreamy brilliance of No 6 “Fantaisies symphoniques”.
Hrůša, 44, has had a recent career surge, shooting from highly admired conductor to top-flight international star. He took over from Antonio Pappano as music director of the Royal Opera at the start of the current season. This year he was named artist of the year in the International Classical Music Awards and conductor of the year by Musical America. His particular knowledge of and passion for the music of his Czech homeland, notably Dvořák and Janáček but Martinů too, shine out in this major cycle. The best recordings of these works until now were by Hrůša’s fellow countryman, colleague and mentor Jiří Bělohlávek (1946-2017), with the BBC Symphony Orchestra and with the Czech Philharmonic. Following in Bělohlávek’s footsteps, Hrůša is chief conductor designate of the latter orchestra, taking over in 2028. With the kind of advocacy shown in this DG set, Martinů’s time has surely come.
On air
Since 25 May the revered London venue Wigmore Hall has been celebrating its 125th anniversary. The birthday festival ends with a programme by the violinist Christian Tetzlaff – who also marks his 60th birthday – performing the Sonatas and Partitas by JS Bach in their entirety.
Photograph by Dpa picture alliance / Alamy Stock Photo
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