Bohuslav Martinu

If I remember correctly, the Naxos label has released several recordings of Martinu's music. Their CD's sell for $7, and the sound quality is usually good to excellent -- all this makes Naxos a good label to buy when you want to try something new.

For best interpretations go to the Hungatron and Supraphon labels. The Czech P. O. under various conductors. Karel Ancerl as well as Kosler conducts with great sensitivity. The above Belohlavek may be interesting as well. Tower has all. Cheers Tweekerman

Can you suggest sources? Last time I ordered Supraphon from B&N I received one of the 5 CDs I ordered...

The Concerto for two String Orchestras, piano, and tympani (as mentioned above) is the masterpiece, followed closely by the Symphony #3. Alas, Martinu wrote a ton of music, and most of it (as it also true of Villa-Lobos, and Milhaud, other hyperproductive composers of the twentieth century) is workmanlike and entertaining rather than profound, falling rather too easily into formula. You could try some of the piano music or piano concertos played by Firkusny, and the string quartets. The opera "The Greek Passion" is also quite fine.

Oh, yes, and the Flute Sonata. One of his finest pieces.