Search - Prague So, Belohlavek :: Martinu: Who Is the Most Powerful in the World

Nartinu's Dance Party

Thomas F. Dillingham | Columbia, Missouri USA | 08/09/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The plump and pompous mouse in royal regalia and crown portrayed on the cover of this recording probably tells us something about the story and mood of the ballet, but I haven't searched out the background or synopsis. The music, itself, some of the most delightful I have heard from Martinu (who is among my favorite composers, especially of operas), tells a tale through the expected variety of dance types and movements. 22 sections, each a small delight, comprise the whole of this work, played brilliantly by the Prague Philharmonic with the always excellent Jiri Belohlavek conducting. It seems this work is relatively little known among Martinu's works, though his music is finally emerging from obscurity and this work should come with it. It is lighthearted, lively, but consistently interesting, unlike many works that would be so described. It is not as astringent as Shostakovich or Schnittke, both of whom wrote more or less comic ballet scores, but it has enough bite not to feel trivial. I recommend it enthusiastically."