Cello Concertos Nos 1 and 2 are fully characteristic of Martinu and exemplary of the influence that France, in particular, had on his composition. They contain some of his best music and are here complemented by an early Cello Concertino.  

This popular recording by Raphael Wallfisch and the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra under Jirí Belohlávek is now available on the Chandos Classics label. The repertoire is rarely recorded and the disc will prove attractive on the market, at a highly competitive price. 
 

MARTINU: CELLO CONCERTOS

The Cello Concertos Nos 1 and 2 by Bohuslav Martinu are fully characteristic of the composer and demonstrate the French influence on his work. They contain some of his best music and are here complemented by an early Cello Concertino. CD Review said of the original release... ‘Whatever else may be on your “must” list of classical CDs to buy, move it all down a notch and put this on top. The two full-scale Martinu Concertos on this disc can stand honourably with the few cello concertos ever programmed. Wallfisch brings a compelling mix of technical and expressive insight… Not enough can be said for Chandos’ vibrant recording which puts real life-blood in the cello sound.’ Raphael Wallfisch is the cellist with the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Jiri Belohlavek, now at Classics price.