Paul Sacher Bohuslav Martinu On January 29, 1941, the Swiss conductor Paul Sacher wrote to Bohuslav Martinu from Lisbon requesting the composition of a violin concerto for concertmaster Gertrud Flügel. Following his dramatic escape from occupied France, Martinu began work on the concerto. Despite initial difficulties, he eventually succeeded in completing the work and dedicating it to Paul Sacher and the Basel Chamber Orchestra. Martinu sent the finished concerto to Basel via the Swiss ambassador to the USA on August 20. As early as September 9, Sacher responded enthusiastically by telegram: the score had arrived, and he was very impressed with the work.[2][5]
The premiere of the Concerto da camera took place on January 23, 1942, in Basel with Gertrud Flügel and the Basel Chamber Orchestra under Sacher's direction. Three days after the concert, Sacher again confirmed the enthusiastic reception of the work by telegram. The Concerto da camera was particularly praised for its fresh musical ideas, the sensual orchestral sound, and the virtuosity of the soloists.[2][5]
In this concerto, Martinů returned to the concerto grosso form, incorporating lyrical and expressive elements reminiscent of Dvořák. The composition combines rhythmic independence with melodic motifs, and the orchestral texture is colorfully enhanced by the use of cymbals and triangle.[2]
It was only later revealed that Martinů slightly simplified the solo violin part, following suggestions from the American violinist Louis Kaufman. This version was published by Universal Edition in Vienna and has since also been released.[5]