Martinů: Saltimbanques – Songs, Vol. 5

Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Bohuslav Martinů's "Saltimbanques – Songs, Vol. 5," a captivating collection of chamber music that showcases the composer's neoclassical prowess. Released in 2018 under the Naxos label, this album spans 55 minutes of exquisite performances by mezzo-soprano Jana Hrochová and pianist Giorgio Koukl, accompanied by Jana Wallingerová on select tracks.

The album is a treasure trove of Martinů's vocal works, featuring a diverse range of pieces from his extensive song catalog. It includes the complete "New Anthology" song cycle, a set of eight songs that explore themes of love, longing, and wonder. The album also showcases Martinů's affinity for folk music with "4 Songs to Czech Folk Texts" and "2 Ballads to Folk Texts," offering a glimpse into the composer's roots.

Martinů's collaboration with French poet Guillaume Apollinaire is highlighted in "3 Songs After Poems by G. Apollinaire," including the title track "Saltimbanques," which translates to "street performers." This piece, along with others like "Carol of Love" and "The Jilted Maiden," demonstrates Martinů's ability to blend poetic text with evocative melodies.

The album also features lighter, more whimsical pieces such as "4 Children's Songs & Nursery Rhymes" and "3 Songs for Christmas," showcasing Martinů's versatility and ability to compose music that appeals to a wide range of audiences. The album concludes with the instrumental "Vocalise-étude," a solo piano piece that serves as a fitting finale to this diverse collection.

"Saltimbanques – Songs, Vol. 5" is a testament to Martinů's enduring legacy as one of the most important Czech composers of the 20th century. This album is a must-listen for fans of classical and neoclassical music, offering a rich and varied exploration of Martinů's vocal works.