Search - Ivan Kusnjer, Bohuslav Martinu, Zdenek Kosler :: Martinu: The Epic of Gilgamesh (Oratorio)

Very Worthwwhile

R. Albin | Ann Arbor, Michigan United States | 12/06/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This is a hard to find CD of this rarely performed piece. The text of this oratorio is written in Czech, certainly an obstacle to performance in most of the world. The music is quite powerful and for individuals familiar with Martinu's better known orchestral pieces, rather different. Martinu appeared to have aimed for a somewhat mystical impression and the quality of the music is very different from the French influenced and neoclassical quality of much of his earlier music. I found this work repays careful listening and is well worth hunting down. The chorus, orchestra, and soloists give solid performances."

A fine recording.

Patrick W. Crabtree | Lucasville, OH USA | 03/08/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"If you're really into Martinu, go ahead and consider this a 5-star rating as I congratulate Naxos for capturing this somewhat rare composition/rendition and offering it in good quality at a budget price. The original Epic of Gilgamesh story actually gets better all the time as archaeologists keep finding new, undeciphered clay tablets in Iraq which frequently expands upon the legend. The story is particularly interesting because it is "history" which pre-dates The Bible.



Unfortunately, if you don't speak Czechoslovakian, you won't get much of the actual story from listening to the CD but Naxos WAS so nice as to provide an English translation in the liner notes with which, if you're alert, you can follow along fairly well. Bottom line: I recommend that you get a late edition of the book and read the whole story first.



As to this recording, it's just a bit surround-soundy for me. Some low end boost might have accentuated whatever bass notes are present but I wouldn't call it "tinny" by any means. If you like Bach or Mozart music played on pipe organs, complemented by well-rehearsed choirs in huge churches, you'll probably like this. Of course, the composition itself is much more modern and a bit early period Stravinskyish.



I definitely recommend this CD but, if you just want to hear some Martinu, try some of his other, more popular, works first. Save this one to savor for later if you are relatively new to classical music."