Album insights
Samuel Dushkin, an American violinist born in Poland, commissioned a suite for violin and orchestra from his friend Bohuslav Martinu in 1938. Despite Martinu's Violin Concerto No. 1, H226, for Dushkin waiting for a performance, the composer promptly started the project. He began composing a series of short, virtuosic dances inspired by Czech folk music. Originally titled "Czech Dances for Violin and Orchestra," Martinu eventually named the piece "Suite concertante."
The creation of the Suite concertante, First Version H276, posed challenges for Martinu among his extensive œuvre of over 400 compositions. Facing personal struggles, the composer wrote passionately of feeling lonely in late 1938. Despite discarding three completed dances, he forged ahead, finishing the piano sketches in December 1938 and orchestrating the score in the following months. Influential Czech diplomat Miloš Šafránek likely carried parts of the score to New York for Dushkin's benefit. The suite awaited its premiere for 50 years due to the looming war and logistical complications.
The Suite concertante awaited its premiere until 1943, played in a piano version featuring Dushkin. Years later, a full orchestral premiere finally occurred in 2000 during the Prague Spring festival. Its revival sheds light on Martinu's intricate compositions and enriches 20th-century violin repertoire.
Under different circumstances, Martinu's Suite concertante was adapted into a second version, H276A. Diverging significantly from the original, this rendition encapsulates a new artistic phase for the composer. Premiered in 1945, the suite showcased Martinu's evolving style and depth of musical expression, marking a distinct departure from his prior works.
Another notable piece by Martinu, the Rhapsody-Concerto for Viola and Orchestra H337, was commissioned by American violist Jascha Veissi in 1952 and represents a pivotal shift towards Romanticism for the composer. Through extensive lyrical passages and cathartic endings, Martinu embraced a new aesthetic, as seen in this two-movement composition. Premiering in 1953, the Rhapsody-Concerto quickly gained renown and became a staple in the viola concerto repertoire.
Veissi's commitment to bringing this concerto to life, alongside Martinu's innovative approach to composition, solidified the Rhapsody-Concerto's status as a prominent work of the 20th century. Their collaboration and dedication to music continue to resonate through performances and recordings worldwide.