Search - Martino, Brych, Prague Philharmonic Choir :: Songs of the Czech Highlands

A Set of Late Masterpieces

R. Albin | Ann Arbor, Michigan United States | 04/25/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Written towards the of Martinu's life, these choral pieces are a simultaneous celebration of Czech rural life and an expression of the composer's acute sense of exile. Martinu's exile began in the late 30s with the German occupation of Czechoslovakia and continued through to the end of his life because of the Communist dominance of his homeland. The text of these pieces was written by Martinu's boyhood friend, the poet Miloslav Bures. These four pieces are arranged in a seasonal round, beginning with spring (The Opening of the Wells) and ending in winter (Mikes of the Mountains). The last piece, completed just months prior to Martinu's death, contains a clear presentiment of death and a profound sense of loss at never again seeing his homeland. Martinu communicates what must have been for him profound emotion in an almost understated way with lyrical and powerful music. The performances on this CD are very good."