NAXOS Bohuslav Martinů String Quartets Vol. 2 Classical Music CD

UPC: 730099478328
Product Type: Audio CD
Brand Name: Naxos
MPN: 8.553783
Genre: Classical
Style: Modern / Chamber Music / Czech Classical
Composer: Bohuslav Martinů
Performer: Martinů Quartet
Release Year: 2002
 
Product Features
Format: Audio CD (DDD)
Total Playing Time: 63:42
Series: String Quartets Volume 2
Recording Location: Martínek Studio, Prague, Czechoslovakia
Recording Dates: March, May, and November 1996
 
Overview
This Naxos release continues the exploration of the prolific Czech composer Bohuslav Martinů (1890–1959) and his mastery of chamber music. Performed by the renowned Martinů Quartet, this second volume features a fascinating juxtaposition of works from different stages of the composer's life, including his time in Paris and his later years in New York.

As noted on the back of the album:

"Although the String Quartet No. 3, written in Paris in 1929, explores new timbres, it has discernible elements of contemporary French influence and textures that occasionally recall Debussy. String Quartet No. 6, written in New York in 1946, is noteworthy for its Bartókian textures and rhythms."
In addition to the numbered quartets, this volume includes the virtuosic Duo for Violin and Cello and the delightful Three Madrigals for Violin and Viola, showcasing Martinů's exceptional ability to write for smaller string configurations with rhythmic drive and lyrical beauty.

 
Interesting Facts
Prolific Output: Martinů was incredibly productive, composed seven numbered string quartets throughout his career, which remain a cornerstone of 20th-century Czech chamber music.
Exile and Influence: Martinů spent the last 36 years of his life outside his native Czechoslovakia, primarily in France and the United States, which deeply influenced the "international" flavor of his modern style.
Madrigal Tradition: The "Three Madrigals" are inspired by the English madrigals Martinů encountered while in exile, transformed here into a modern, rhythmic dialogue between violin and viola.
Artistic Cover: The cover art features the oil on canvas painting Boulevard Montmartre, Morning, Grey Day, 1897 by Camille Pissarro, reflecting the urban, French atmosphere surrounding the composition of the Third Quartet.
Authentic Heritage: The Martinů Quartet was formed in the composer’s homeland and has dedicated decades to the definitive recording of his complete string works.
Track Listing
String Quartet No. 3 (12:30)

Allegro (4:21)
Andante (4:41)
Vivo (3:19)
String Quartet No. 6 (21:15) 4. Adagio moderato (6:41) 5. Andante (6:56) 6. Allegro (7:38)

Duo for Violin and Cello (14:19) 7. Preludium: Andante moderato (5:05) 8. Rondo: Allegro con brio (9:14)

Three Madrigals for Violin and Viola (15:42) 9. Poco allegro (3:52) 10. Poco andante (6:01) 11. Allegro (5:49)

 
Publishers
Label: Naxos
Copyright: ℗ & © 2002 HNH International Ltd.
Producer and Engineer: Václav Zamazal
Booklet Notes: Keith Anderson
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