Cello Concertos Nos 1 and 2 are fully characteristic of Martinu and exemplary of the influence that France, in particular, had on his composition. They contain some of his best music and are here complemented by an early Cello Concertino. This popular recording by Raphael Wallfisch and the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra under Jirí Belohlávek is now available on the Chandos Classics label. The repertoire is rarely recorded and the disc will prove attractive on the market, at a highly competitive price.
“A welcome concerto re-issue and a fine introduction to Martinu’s unique style… Recorded in 1991, Wallfisch’s consummate virtuosity and considerable lyrical gifts illuminate Martinu’s solo writing like no other. There have been a variety of other recordings of these works,…but this – one of Wallfisch’s finest discs – remains the best available, especially with Chandos’s excellent sound…”
Guy Rickards
“Superb performances enhance enjoyable works.” “All the works are excellently performed by Raphael Wallfisch and the acoustic is very clear and pleasing. The Czech Philharmonic Orchestra retains its superb qualities.” Richard Gate
