Nonet (Martinu)

From Wind Repertory Project
Bohuslav Martinů

Bohuslav Martinů


General Info

Year: 1959
Duration: c. 16:00
Difficulty: (see Ratings for explanation)
Publisher: Kalmus
Cost: Score and Parts (print) - $26.50


Movements

1. Poco allegro – 5:10
2. Andante - 5:25
3. Allegretto – 5:30


Instrumentation

Full Score
Flute
Oboe
Bassoon
B-flat Soprano Clarinet
Horn in F

Violin
Viola
Cello
Bass


Errata

None discovered thus far.


Program Notes

The Nonet in F major dates from 1959, the year of Martinů 's death. It was finished in January in the house put at his disposal by Paul Sacher at Schönenberg-Pratteln near Basel. In less than twenty minutes Martinů seems to idealize both his Czech heritage and the neo-impressionism that colours his last compositions.

The opening Poco Allegro simulates the atmosphere of a village celebration with its clarinet fanfare, reminiscent of a post-Smetana fanfare or a gathering of sokols" (Janáček). The Andante evokes a lost paradise, but without bitterness or insistence. This singing is like the distant echo of the Symphonies Fantastiques (Symphony No. 6) of 1953. The Allegretto finale has the violin-minstrel convincing its partners to accompany it in a suite of Czech and Slovak dances with varied and subtle rhythms. This rondo gradually assumes the fullness of a country band until the tender pianissimo of the last bar.

The work was first played on 27 July at the Salzburg Festival by its dedicatees, the Czech Nonet.

- Program Note by Pierre-E. Barbier for liner notes of Praga CD MARTINŮ, B.: Chamber Music (Pražák Quartet, Czech Nonet)


Media


State Ratings

None discovered thus far.


Performances

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Works for Winds by this Composer


Resources