Bohuslav Matoušek (violin) & Karel Košárek (piano)
Czech Philharmonic Orchestra, Christopher Hogwood
This is the second volume in Hyperion’s set of the complete works for violin and orchestra by Martinuo, featuring the
wonderful Bohuslav Matoušek with the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra under Christopher Hogwood. Many first
recordings are included in the series, as well as works totally unperformed outside the Czech Republic.
Included here is the Concerto da camera, a favourite among Martinuo’s instrumental concertos because of the freshness of
its musical invention, the sensual sound of the orchestral part and the virtuosity of the solo parts.
The joyful Czech Rhapsody is a thrilling virtuoso work, dedicated to Kreisler.
The Concerto for violin, piano and orchestra is an enigmatic and highly personal work, structurally driven by its
emotional nature and perhaps echoing the crisis in the composer’s personal life, caused by the sudden breakdown in
the summer of 1952 of his long-term relationship with Rosalyn Barstow.
“With its fresh invention and lively demeanour, this remains one of his more popular concertos although it has never received its due on disc. This newcomer sets that omission straight, however, crisply performed and immaculately recorded. The same applies to its companion pieces…strongly recommended” Gramophone Magazine
“Matousek's strutting sense of rhythm, innate feel for the angular melodic line, comic touch and tender, almost homesick lyricism in the adagios make these compelling performances. He is more reflective in the Rhapsody Concerto, where even the virtuosic passages have a contemplative character. Christopher Hogwood conducts the Czech Philharmonic with bohemian zip and panache.” The Times, 10th May 2008 ****
“Christopher Hogwood and Katel Matoušek are entirely at home with this repertoire. There is a huge amount to enjoy.” BBC Music Magazine, May 2008 ****
“A delightful second programme of Martinu violin concertos from Prague. Concerto da camera (1941)… remains one of his more popular concertos although it has never received its due on disc. This newcomer sets that omission straight, however, crisply performed and immaculately recorded. The disc concludes with Jirí Teml's idiomatic orchestration of the Czech Rhapsody... it is a splendid piece, warm and lyrical and beautifully played. Strongly recommended.” Gramophone Magazine, March 2008
