Search - Bohuslav Martinu, Václav Neumann, Czech Philharmonic Orchestra :: Bohuslav Martinu: Symphonies Nos. 5 & 6 "Fantaisies symphoniques"; Inventions

Magisterial

David Saemann | 04/25/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is a lovely evocation of Martinu's orchestral sound. The sound engineering is clear and well balanced, up to Supraphon's usual high standards. Neumann's approach to Martinu is relaxed and especially refined, with beautifully etched playing by the Czech Philharmonic. In the popular Sixth Symphony, I don't feel that Neumann reaches the heights of Charles Munch, the dedicatee, in his pioneer recording with the Boston Symphony. Nevertheless, Neumann is highly effective here, in a more plasticly phrased and somewhat less passionate reading than Munch's. The Inventions are from 1934 and evoke the neo-classical ferment in the Paris of that time, where Martinu lived. It's an interesting question whether he was affected in his symphonies by the works being produced in the U.S., where he lived while writing them. Nevertheless, the Czech component in the writing is always evident, as Neumann proves handsomely."

Outstanding performance and recording

YIP Alex | 02/16/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Martinu's 6th symphony, termed "fantasies symphonieques" is one of the greatest symphony in the 20th century. In fact it is autobiographical, I believe, and contains music which touches your heart. This versions rivals, and in my opinion even outshines the version by Jarvi. Superb recording and one cannot find more idiomatic interpretaion. Strongly recommended."

Perhaps the best Martinu #5 I've ever heard......

David F. Wolven | baltimore, md, usa | 03/23/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I should begin by stating that I've never encountered a "bad" Martinu symphony recording; there are many fine ones to choose from (Jarvi, Thomson, Flor, Rozhdestvensky, Belohlavek), each with their own considerable merits. Not that this is "easy" music to interpret - the rhythmic complexities alone must make any conductor apoplectic. I first became acquainted with Martinu's music in the early 80's through some ProArte LP reissues of Neumann's 1970's Supraphon recordings. Hearing them now on CD after all these years is like rediscovering a first love.



Neumann seems incapable of setting a foot wrong. While late 70's Supraphon recordings may not match the sound quality of Jarvi (BIS) and Thomson (CHANDOS), there is little to complain about. Neumann's interpretation of the 5th symphony is simply the best one out there, period - when I first listened to this CD, I wore out the "repeat" button, listening to the first movement again and again and again. Simply delicious.



My one criticism - directed solely at the producers and marketing people, NOT the performers - "Inventions" is a pleasant bit of incidental fluff - "light" Martinu, well constructed, tuneful, entertaining, fun to listen to, and the perfect disc opener. So why wasn't it placed there, instead of at the end of the program? Playing it immediately after the somewhat somber Lento closing movement of the 6th symphony is a bit jarring for the listener. It simply doesn't work, and makes for an unsatisfactory ending to an otherwise glorious CD. Thank God for programmable CD changers......"