Search - Bohuslav Martinu, Václav Neumann, Czech Philharmonic Orchestra :: Martinu: Symphonies

Martinu, Genius. Neumann, Friendly.

Gregory M. Zinkl | Chicago, IL | 07/09/2002

(3 out of 5 stars)

"But not exceptional.Listening to Martinu's music is to enter into a fascinating, unique sound world. It's at the same time beautiful, moving, and exciting. It's also very busy stuff, lots of syncopations.His symphonies are terrific; I first fell in love with the 2nd (the opening tune is so cool), and the first soon followed, and then the rest. Neumann, as he says in one of the most egotistical interviews (included in the set), and the Czech Philharmonic have performed this music many, many times. And therein lies the problem, methinks.This music is presented as a friendly stroll in the park. Friendly. Familiar. Blase. Now go listen to Ancerl, and you hear smoke from the instruments. Listen to Gibson on Chandos, and you have a combination of beautiful recorded sound and committed, interesting performances. I bet Jarvi (not yet heard) is a good bet, too.If you like your on a musical even keel, this is for you. If this is the only available set of Martinu Symphonies, it's ok. But, given other choices, I'd pass this by."

Superb idiomatic playing and recording

YIP Alex | 09/29/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I own many symphony cycles of Martinu, Jarvi, Thompson and this one. Jarvi is very good too. However, by a narrow margin this cycle is my favourite. The players and the conductor are totally inside the music, anyone invested in this set will not be disappointed."