Martinu / Koukl - Complete Songs - COMPACT DISCS [CD]

Silvano Frontalini - Arias Without Voice [COMPACT DISCS] date 08/09/2000

This recording focuses on three of Martinu's song-cycles, and a selection of individual songs from an early period in his life that sheds fascinating light on his enthusiasm for song composition. Songs On One Page and Songs On Two Pages were written during his American exile, both utilising traditional and folk texts in compact but expressive ways. Set to Japanese lyric poetry, Niponari is one of his most important early compositions, revealing a transition from late-Romanticism to impressionism. Of Volume 2 in this series (8.572310) BBC Music Magazine wrote 'Some excellent songs here, in radiant performances'.

This album is the second part of a musical trilogy, following 2008's Birth (Dodicilune Records). The music is extremely evocative due to the charm of lyrical melodies and the slow, yet relentless, pace. Not too complicated, despite constantly changing musical constructions, it features five very talented musicians from the contemporary European Jazz scene.