Album insights
On January 29, 1941, Swiss conductor Paul Sacher wrote to Bohuslav Martinu in Lisbon, requesting a modern piece for violin and orchestra. Sacher specified the composition's length, the suitability for his concertmaster Gertrud Flügel, and the orchestral instrumentation. Following a tumultuous escape from occupied France, Martinu faced challenges in adapting to his new life in New York. Despite initial setbacks, Martinu found solace and humor while working on the commissioned Concerto da camera during the summer of 1941.
Completed in August, the Concerto was warmly received by Paul Sacher and premiered in Basel on January 23, 1942, with Gertrud Flügel as the soloist. Martinu's return to the Concerto grosso form showcased his musical evolution and thematic explorations. The engaging and vibrant composition quickly became a favorite among performers and audiences alike.
Later, Martinu revised the solo violin part, likely influenced by American violinist Louis Kaufman. The revised version was published and continues to be recognized within Martinu's comprehensive works. Throughout the 1940s, Martinu dedicated himself to crafting new violin works, including the Madrigal-Sonata and Violin Concerto No. 2. Noteworthy among these is the Czech Rhapsody, symbolizing hope and happiness amid post-World War II sentiments.
Additionally, the composition underwent orchestration by Jirí Teml based on Martinu's original piano version. This orchestral rendition premiered at the Martinu Festival in Prague in December 2001. Meanwhile, the Violin Concerto for the same instrumental ensemble offered a contrasting tonal exploration, showcasing a more introspective and personal approach, reflecting the tumultuous events in Martinu's life during the early 1950s.
The final movement of the Violin Concerto captivates with a blend of baroque and jazz elements, marking a departure from Martinu's neo-impressionistic works of the period. Structured around emotional impulses and personal reflections, the Concerto unfolded into a stylistic journey, captivating audiences with its rich tonality and intricate orchestration. Embodied in music, Martinu's inner turmoil and external challenges found expression through this poignant and profound creation.