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Looking Ahead: 2009 Observes the 50 Year Anniversary of Bohuslav Martinu’s Death

Aug. 07, 2007

August 2009 sees the 50 year anniversary of the death of Czech composer Bohuslav Martinu. The son of a bell ringer, Martinu’s birth on Dec. 8 1890, a public holiday, was literally heralded by bells. After this rather augurous beginning, Martinu quickly developed his talent for composing in a musically rich Prague teeming with the music of Strauss, Bruckner, Debussy, Stravinsky, Schoenberg and Bartók. His wide-ranging influences also included jazz, the baroque concerto grosso and Czech folk music, enriching his palette and lending a variety of styles to his compositions. Living in the shadows of two World Wars, Martinu, like many European composers of his era, was prone to relocating, making a name for himself in Czechoslovakia, Paris, New York and Switzlerland. He died in 1959 in Liestal, Switzerland.

A composer of over 400 works, highlights from the Martinu catalogue include: The Epic of Gilgamesh, a 50 minute oratorio for soloists, chorus and orchestra; The Rock, a musical tribute to Plymouth Rock and the dauntless spirit of the Pilgrims; Serenade for chamber orchestra; and Concertino for cello and wind ensemble. Martinu also wrote 14 ballets including his Istar and 15 operas most notable of which is The Greek Passion.

Bohuslav Martinu
The Epic of Gilgamesh (1955)
Oratorio in 3 Parts
For Soprano, Tenor, Baritone, Bass, Mixed Choir and Orchestra
SATB Chorus; 2 0 2 0 - 0 3 2 0 - timp, perc(4), hp, pno, str
50’

The Rock – Prélude Symphonique (1957)
For Orchestra
3.3.3.3-4.3.3.1-timp.3perc.xyl-str
12’

Serenade (1930)
Chamber Orchestra
1.2.1.2-2.2.1.0-str
12’

Concertino (1924)
For Cello and Wind Ensemble
Pic.2.2.11.1.1.0-timp.perc-pno
15’

Istar (1923)
Ballet in 2 Suites
Suite I: Suite: 3.2.ca.2.2-4.3.3.1-timp.perc-hp-str
25’

Suite II: 3(3. pic)2.ca.2.2-4.3.3.1-timp.perc-hp-str
23’

The Greek Passion (1957)
Opera in 4 Acts
3.3.3.3-4.3.3.1-2timp.3perc-hp.cemb-str – stage music: fl.cl.acc.vn
130’

For more information on the life and music of Bohuslav Martinu, please visit www.schott-music.com and www.universaledition.com

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