Bohuslav Martinů, the composer, was born and spent his early years in the church tower of Polička, east Bohemia, which deeply affected his sense of 'space and nature'.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Martinů sought to capture the 'great, boundless space' he experienced living in a church tower in his compositions, focusing on space and nature rather than people.
Performer Biography
Fenwick Smith, the flutist on this album, retired from the Boston Symphony Orchestra in 2006 after a 28-year career and is a member of the Boston Chamber Music Society.
Composer Biography
Martinů was expelled from the Prague Conservatory for 'incorrigible negligence' in 1910, but remained in Prague to engage with its rich musical activity.
Compositional Technique
The result of Martinů's compositional approach, especially in fast movements, is akin to looking through a kaleidoscope, with colorful fragments combining in mosaic-like patterns.
Recording & Production
This album was recorded at two different locations: The Sonic Temple in Roslindale, Massachusetts, and Jordan Hall at the New England Conservatory in Boston.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Martinů's music was influenced by the rhythm and cadence of the Czech language, similar to Janáček, and he built large structures from small, repeated, and varied musical cells.
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