Review of the CD set with symphonies by Martinů
(...) There are not many good recordings of Martinů's symphonies, and I am therefore very glad that I have this opportunity to acquaint readers with Supraphon's triple-CD album. The recording was made by renowned musicians - the Prague Radio Symphony Orchestra conducted by its Chief Conductor, Vladimír Válek. They have extended the ranks of outstanding interpreters who have promoted their compatriot's work.
Their recording will evidently occupy a high place in the list of the finest interpretations of this repertoire, even though it has a serious rival in the catalogue of Czech recordings in the form of Václav Neumann with the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra, and the same orchestra conducted by his successor as Chief Conductor, Jiří Bělohlávek. Remarkably one part of the symphonies was recorded in less than two days. When listening to the album that cannot, however, be detected: there is no rush, no inaccuracy, no nervousness. Praise is due to the orchestra, which is in great form, and the outstanding conducting. The musicians have managed to master the difficult form of these works logically and convincingly. The character of the individual symphonies has been correctly interpreted. Each of them speaks to the listener's heart and imagination in a different way; each prompts very positive impressions due to the lively and well-chosen tempos, the correct dynamic proportions and the presentation of the colourful and rich instrumentation - the numerous dialogues between individual sections, the development of themes from small "roots" and the clear narrative conducting are all remarkable. It is proof of the excellent form of the orchestra and its conductor and their deserved renown.
I value this performance by the Prague Radio Symphony Orchestra and its conductor very highly as it displays a very high level of interpretation and culture, and thanks to that these little-known symphonies have, when compared to the great repertoire and the philharmonic standard, a chance to win new listeners. This recording also proves that Martinů's music is an unusually important phenomenon, not only in Czech but also in world symphonic music. I am very pleased that in 2009, the 50th anniversary of the composer's death, I will have an opportunity to recall some of the recordings of his music on these pages.
Pawel Chmielowski
