Bohuslav Martinů (1890-1959)
Works for cello and piano, Volume 1

may still be less well known than his compatriots Dvořák, Smetana and Janáček, but his output is large and ranges from chamber works to symphonies and operas. These include some real treasures and much that is attractive and enjoyable. If it is the symphonic works and operas that make the strongest impression at first, much of the chamber music has a more intimate appeal to a home listener. Among these works are the three sonatas and short pieces on this disc, none too long to outstay their welcome.

Bohuslav Martinů was born on 8th December 1890 in a small room in the tower of St. James' Church in the Czech village of Polička. His first composition, at the age of thirteen, was a piece called Three Riders, written for string quartet. Such early promise was disappointed when he was expelled from Prague Conservatory after four years.

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