Martinů: Concertos for Oboe, Harpsichord and Piano No. 3

Bohuslav Martinů (1890 - 1959), who was himself a violinist in the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra in his youth, was immensely fond of the genre of concerto. No wonder then that he was also an exceptionally keen composer of concertant literature. Martinů's compositional legacy includes no fewer than 26 concertos for various solo instruments and orchestra (five for piano, four featuring violin, another four with cello, four concertos for other solo instruments and orchestra, and nine concertos for several instruments and orchestra). The refinement of his feeling for the ideal setting of the solo instrument within the orchestral texture is utterly remarkable. Martinů's mastery at leading the solo instrumental part is exemplified by the concertos featured on this CD. Excellingin the various solo parts is a cast of exquisite Czech artists: the oboist Ivan Séquardt, harpsichord virtuoso Zuzana Růžičková, and pianist Josef Páleníček. They are provided an equally accomplished backing by the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra under the baton of Václav Neumann.

Slogan: Bohuslav Martinů concertos: a formidable world of instrumental virtuosity.