The Largo movement of Martinů's First Symphony is dated July 14th, just a month after the obliteration of the Czech village of Lidice by the Nazis, an event that shocked the world.
Composition History
As a fugitive from the Nazis, Martinů arrived in America in 1941 and, at the age of 52, began composing a unique and impressive series of symphonies.
Composer Biography
Bohuslav Martinů, the composer, was born 193 steps above ground, just under the steeple of the Church of St. James in the Bohemian town of Polička, where his father was the bellringer.
Critical Reception
The First Symphony was dedicated to the memory of Natalie Koussevitzky, and conductor Ernest Ansermet maintained that Martinů could be characterized as 'the really great symphonist' among his generation.
Compositional Technique
Martinů's Sixth Symphony, initially intended to include three pianos in a very large orchestra, ultimately became his only symphony without a piano in the orchestra.
Performer Biography
Neeme Järvi, the conductor, is one of the world's most recorded conductors, represented on more than sixty BIS CDs, including acclaimed cycles of Martinů symphonies.
Composer Biography
Martinů earned a living as a deputy second violin player in the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra from 1913 until 1923, after being barred from further studies at the Conservatory.
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