The complete music for violin and orchestra Volume 3:
Suite concertante for violin and orchestra (first recording)
Suite concertante for violin and orchestra (second version)
Rhapsody-Concerto for viola and orchestra H337

This is the third volume in Hyperion’s set of the complete works for violin and orchestra by Martinu, 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. 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 Bresina are meticulously researched and provide a comprehensive background to the intriguing genesis and performance history of these works.



GRAMOPHONE EDITOR'S CHOICE

'Martinu was prolific in every field, but perhaps no more so than in the concerto, where he explored a variety of forms and instrumental combinations … Bohuslav Matoušek 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' (Daily Telegraph)

'In the Rhapsody-Concerto Matoušek shows himself as adept a viola-player as he is a violinist, sweeter-toned than Telecky and a match for Imai and Bukac … This third volume in Hyperion's invaluable series is as desirable as its predecessors: highly recommended' (Gramophone)

'The performance of the two-movement Rhapsody-Concerto is exemplary … Matoushek exchanges violin for viola and luxuriates in the radiant lyricism of Martinu's last period. Hogwood shapes the structures with magnificent insight and, with the orchetsra, provides attentive accompaniment throughout' (BBC Music Magazine)

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CDA 67671 vol 1; CDA 67672 vol 2; CDA 67674 vol 4 / Recording details: Various dates; Dvorák Hall, Rudolfinum, Prague, Czechoslovakia; Produced by Zdenek Zahradník; Engineered by Tomáš Zikmund; Release date: May 2008;