Composer of the Week - Bohuslav Martinu (1890-1959) - A Czech in Exile

The Second World War and politics both played parts in preventing Martinu's return to Czechoslovakia. Donald Macleod looks at the events which contributed to Martinu's chosen exile and assesses how they affected his music. A comedy on the bridge (excerpt) Jarmila Kratka (soprano) Richard Novak (bass) Brno Janacek Opera Orchestra Frantisek Jilek (conductor) Supraphon 112140-2 611, CD1 Trs 6-10 The Greek Passion (Act 3, Sc 1-2) Rita Cullis, Helen Field, Catherine Savory (sopranos) John Mitchinson, Arthur Davis (tenors) John Tomlinson (bass) Czech Philharmonic Choir Brno State Philharmonic Orchestra Charles Mackerras (conductor) Supraphon 103611-2 CD2 Gilgamesh (Part 1) Ivan Kusnjer (baritone) Ludek Vele (bass) Eva Depoltova (soprano) Stefan Margita (tenor) Milan Karpisek (spoken word) Slovak Philharmonic Choir Slovak Philharmonic Orchestra Zdenek Kosler (conductor) Marco Polo 8.223316, CD1 Trs 1-10 String Quartet No 5 (2nd mvt - Adagio) Stamitz Quartet Bohuslav Matousek (violin) Josef Kekula (violin) Jan Peruska (viola) Vladimir Leixner (cello) BR 100152-54, CD Vol 2 Tr 6.