Search - Martinu, Kotkova, Mulligan :: Czech Rhapsody / Sonatas 1-3

A gallant exposition of beautiful music

Alan Rosenfelder | edgware, middlesex United Kingdom | 07/22/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This c.d.presents four substantial works that Martinu composed for solo violin and piano.Hana Kotkova ,violin and Simon Mulligan,piano tackle the pieces with gusto,bravado and considerable thoughtfulness.The Czech Rhapsody of 1945 was composed in exile in the United States of America .It draws on traditional American thematic material as well as Czech folk melody and nostalgic interludes.Ms Kotkova's violin playing is rich and full .Some listeners will find the recording slightly unbalanced here overfavouring the violin,but this is a minor quibble.The first and second violin sonatas are earlier works of 1929 and 1931and date from an era when Martinu was striving to create his own authentic sound.The performers take on board the searching nature with great sensitivity.The music meanders but is never repetitive .There is a feel of organic development of musical ideas reminiscent of Sibelius but without the Nordic hues.The third violin sonata of 1944 is totally different .This is music composed during the latter part of the second world war.Tension ,horror and strife is palpable from the fortissimo piano commencement of the first movement.This is powerful music written with a more assured and determined voice.With Martinu even during sad times gloom is never allowed to predominate.The music is pervasively uplifting with a confidence in the decency of humankind which will be triumphant. An excellent c.d. don't miss it."