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This is the third 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 ecordings are included in the series, as well as works totally unperformed outside the Czech Republic. The two very different versions of Martinu’s Suite concertante are fascinating rarities. The only well-known work on this disc is the
Rhapsody-Concerto for viola and orchestra: a lyrical, virtuosic piece written for Jascha Viessi and one of the most performed viola concertos of the twentieth century.
The programme notes by Aleš Buesina are meticulously researched and provide a comprehensive background to the genesis and performance history of these works.
3rd May 2008
“Bohuslav Matousek plays all three works here with energy and an imaginative range of tonal colour, while the accompaniments from Christopher Hogwood and the Czech orchestra are equally resourceful.”
July 2008
“The new Suite languished unplayed until 1999. Both versions are delightful. Matoušek plays both with great understanding and finesse: the music needs lightness of touch. In the Rhapsody-Concerto Matoušek shows himself as adept a viola-player as he is violinist, sweeter-toned that Telecký and a match for Imai and Bukac.”
August 2008
****
“The performance of the second version is exemplary, as is that of the two-movement Rhapsody Concerto where Matoušek, exchanging violin for viola, luxuriates in the radiant lyricism of Martinu's last period.”
Click on any of the works listed above for alternative recordings.
