Dive into the enchanting world of Bohuslav Martinů's "Songs," a captivating collection of chamber music and neoclassical compositions that showcase the composer's mastery and depth. Released in 2019 by Supraphon a.s., this album is a treasure trove of 28 meticulously crafted songs, spanning a total duration of 1 hour and 19 minutes.
The album features a trio of exceptional performers: Martina Janková, a soprano with a voice of crystalline purity; Tomáš Král, a baritone known for his rich, resonant tones; and Ivo Kahanek, a pianist whose virtuosity brings each piece to life. Together, they navigate through a diverse range of compositions, from the delicate "Dew" to the evocative "The Moravian Girl," and the poignant "The Slovak Songs."
Martinů's "Songs" is a testament to his unique ability to blend traditional folk elements with modern classical techniques, resulting in a sound that is both timeless and contemporary. The album is divided into several song cycles, each offering a distinct mood and theme. "Songs on One Page" and "Songs on Two Pages" highlight Martinů's skill in creating intricate, yet accessible, musical narratives. Meanwhile, "The Slovak Songs" delve into the rich cultural heritage of Slovakia, offering a glimpse into the country's folk traditions and storytelling.
Recorded in the prestigious Martinů Hall at the Academy of Music in Prague, this album benefits from an acoustically superior setting that enhances the clarity and depth of each performance. Whether you're a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a curious newcomer, "Martinů: Songs" promises an enriching and immersive listening experience.
2019 Supraphon A.s.2019 Supraphon A.s.
Tracks
Songs on One Page, H. 294: No. 1, DewBohuslav Martinů, Martina Janková, Ivo Kahanek
Songs on One Page, H. 294: No. 2, Unlocked by a WorldBohuslav Martinů, Martina Janková, Tomáš Král, Ivo Kahanek
Songs on One Page, H. 294: No. 3, Riding to See My LoveBohuslav Martinů, Tomáš Král, Ivo Kahanek
Songs on One Page, H. 294: No. 4, The FootpathBohuslav Martinů, Tomáš Král, Ivo Kahanek
Songs on One Page, H. 294: No. 5, At My Mother’sBohuslav Martinů, Martina Janková, Ivo Kahanek
Songs on One Page, H. 294: No. 6, The Dream of the Virgin MaryBohuslav Martinů, Martina Janková, Ivo Kahanek
Songs on One Page, H. 294: No. 7, RosemaryBohuslav Martinů, Martina Janková, Ivo Kahanek
Songs on Two Pages, H. 302: No. 1, The Moravian GirlBohuslav Martinů, Tomáš Král, Ivo Kahanek
Songs on Two Pages, H. 302: No. 2, The Neighbour's StableBohuslav Martinů, Martina Janková, Ivo Kahanek
Songs on Two Pages, H. 302: No. 3, HopeBohuslav Martinů, Martina Janková, Ivo Kahanek
Songs on Two Pages, H. 302: No. 4, The Night WatchmanBohuslav Martinů, Martina Janková, Ivo Kahanek
Songs on Two Pages, H. 302: No. 5, Secret LoveBohuslav Martinů, Martina Janková, Tomáš Král, Ivo Kahanek
Songs on Two Pages, H. 302: No. 6, The Wayside CrossBohuslav Martinů, Tomáš Král, Ivo Kahanek
Songs on Two Pages, H. 302: No. 7, The Lads of ZvolenBohuslav Martinů, Martina Janková, Tomáš Král, Ivo Kahanek
The Slovak Songs, H. 126: No. 1, My Mother, My MotherBohuslav Martinů, Martina Janková, Ivo Kahanek
The Slovak Songs, H. 126: No. 2, Tell Me, TellBohuslav Martinů, Martina Janková, Ivo Kahanek
The Slovak Songs, H. 126: No. 3, What Are You Doing, Hanka?Bohuslav Martinů, Martina Janková, Tomáš Král, Ivo Kahanek
The Slovak Songs, H. 126: No. 4, Hey, Ye HillBohuslav Martinů, Martina Janková, Tomáš Král, Ivo Kahanek
The Slovak Songs, H. 126: No. 5, There’s Rain Coming from the Orava RegionBohuslav Martinů, Martina Janková, Ivo Kahanek
The Slovak Songs, H. 126: No. 6, Tell Me, My Most BelovedBohuslav Martinů, Martina Janková, Ivo Kahanek
The Slovak Songs, H. 126: No. 7, I’ve Got Yet Another SisterBohuslav Martinů, Martina Janková, Ivo Kahanek
The Slovak Songs, H. 126: No. 8, I Had a BlouseBohuslav Martinů, Martina Janková, Ivo Kahanek
The Slovak Songs, H. 126: No. 9, The Evening StarBohuslav Martinů, Tomáš Král, Ivo Kahanek
The Slovak Songs, H. 126: No. 10, Hey, You Can TellBohuslav Martinů, Tomáš Král, Ivo Kahanek
The Slovak Songs, H. 126: No. 11, I’ve Got MarriedBohuslav Martinů, Tomáš Král, Ivo Kahanek
The Slovak Songs, H. 126: No. 12, Eat Me, WolvesBohuslav Martinů, Martina Janková, Tomáš Král, Ivo Kahanek
The Slovak Songs, H. 126: No. 13, A Lass Is Standing by the TapBohuslav Martinů, Martina Janková, Tomáš Král, Ivo Kahanek
The Slovak Songs, H. 126: No. 14, Up the Váh RiverBohuslav Martinů, Tomáš Král, Ivo Kahanek
The Slovak Songs, H. 126: No. 15, Up the Hron RiverBohuslav Martinů, Martina Janková, Ivo Kahanek
The Slovak Songs, H. 126: No. 16, At the Trenčín BarracksBohuslav Martinů, Martina Janková, Ivo Kahanek
The Slovak Songs, H. 126: No. 17, God, Oh God, What Am I to DoBohuslav Martinů, Tomáš Král, Ivo Kahanek
The Slovak Songs, H. 126: No. 18, Little HanaBohuslav Martinů, Martina Janková, Tomáš Král, Ivo Kahanek
The Slovak Songs, H. 126: No. 19, Whose Sheep Are TheseBohuslav Martinů, Martina Janková, Ivo Kahanek
The Slovak Songs, H. 126: No. 20, A Man Is All RightBohuslav Martinů, Tomáš Král, Ivo Kahanek
The Slovak Songs, H. 126: No. 21, Don’t You Trust HimBohuslav Martinů, Martina Janková, Ivo Kahanek
The Slovak Songs, H. 126: No. 22, She Was Digging a WellBohuslav Martinů, Martina Janková, Tomáš Král, Ivo Kahanek
The Slovak Songs, H. 126: No. 23, She Got Seventy SkirtsBohuslav Martinů, Martina Janková, Tomáš Král, Ivo Kahanek
The Slovak Songs, H. 126: No. 24, Lo, Meadow, MeadowBohuslav Martinů, Martina Janková, Tomáš Král, Ivo Kahanek
The Slovak Songs, H. 126: No. 25, Lo, I Had a LassBohuslav Martinů, Tomáš Král, Ivo Kahanek
The Slovak Songs, H. 126: No. 26, The White DoveBohuslav Martinů, Tomáš Král, Ivo Kahanek
The Slovak Songs, H. 126: No. 27, From Behind the Black HillBohuslav Martinů, Martina Janková, Ivo Kahanek
The Slovak Songs, H. 126: No. 28, The Folk SayBohuslav Martinů, Martina Janková, Ivo Kahanek
The Slovak Songs, H. 126: No. 29, I Kept Waking UpBohuslav Martinů, Tomáš Král, Ivo Kahanek
The Slovak Songs, H. 126: No. 30, The Lass from White MountainBohuslav Martinů, Martina Janková, Tomáš Král, Ivo Kahanek
New Chap-Book, H. 288: No. 1, The Rich SweetheartBohuslav Martinů, Martina Janková, Tomáš Král, Ivo Kahanek
New Chap-Book, H. 288: No. 2, Forsaken LoveBohuslav Martinů, Tomáš Král, Ivo Kahanek
New Chap-Book, H. 288: No. 3, LongingBohuslav Martinů, Martina Janková, Ivo Kahanek
New Chap-Book, H. 288: No. 4, The Inquisitive GirlBohuslav Martinů, Martina Janková, Tomáš Král, Ivo Kahanek
New Chap-Book, H. 288: No. 5, The Gay GirlBohuslav Martinů, Martina Janková, Ivo Kahanek
New Chap-Book, H. 288: No. 6, The Unhappy LoverBohuslav Martinů, Tomáš Král, Ivo Kahanek
Bohuslav Martinů, born in 1890 in Polička, Czech Republic, is celebrated as one of the most prolific and versatile composers of the 20th century. His musical journey is a testament to his eclectic influences, ranging from French impressionism and neoclassicism to jazz and folk music. Martinů began his musical education at the age of six, playing the violin and composing his first piece at just thirteen. His early talent earned him a scholarship to the Prague Conservatory, where he honed his skills and began his career as a composer, violinist, and music critic.
Martinů's compositions span a wide array of genres, including symphonies, operas, and ballets, each reflecting his unique blend of traditional and modern elements. Works like "Julietta," "Taras Bulba," and his "Field Mass" are just a few examples of his extensive and diverse repertoire. His music is known for its emotional depth and technical brilliance, making him a standout figure in the world of classical music.
Throughout his life, Martinů's travels and experiences shaped his artistic vision. From his roots in Polička to his time in Paris and New York, his compositions tell a story of a man deeply connected to his Czech heritage yet open to the world's diverse musical influences. Martinů's legacy endures, inspiring musicians and audiences alike with his timeless compositions.
Vinylscout
Bohuslav Martinů
