Martinu, B.: Piano Quartet No. 1 / Oboe Quartet / Duo No. 2 / Piano Trio No. 3

Featuring

Simon Blendis
Douglas Paterson
Jane Salmon
William Howard
George Caird
Schubert Ensemble

Bohuslav Martinů

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Composition History

The Quartet for oboe, violin, cello and piano, H 315, was written by Martinů as a lighter piece, possibly for relaxation, while he was working on more demanding compositions.

Composer Biography

Bohuslav Martinů, the composer, was born in a church tower room in Polička, where his father worked as a fire-watcher, bell-ringer, and clock keeper.

Composer Biography

Martinů was dismissed from the Prague Conservatory for 'incorrigible negligence' before continuing his studies in Paris with Albert Roussel.

Performer Biography

The Schubert Ensemble, founded in 1983, is a leading chamber music group that has performed in over forty countries and commissioned more than eighty new works.

Composer's Artistic Vision

Martinů spent much of his life in exile, but his music consistently reflects his thoughts of home.

Compositional Technique

Martinů's Piano Trio No. 3, H 332, was originally published with the title 'Grand Trio' by Max Eschig, indicating its substantial nature compared to his other trios.

Composition History

Duo No. 2 for violin and cello, H 371, was one of Martinů's last works, composed in just four days as a commission for the 50th birthday of Trauti Mohr-Bally.