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Martinu revisited: the rediscovery of a many-sided Czech composer of the 20th century.

Article Excerpt
Fifty years on from the death of a composer is often a crucial test period for the durability of his work. The last living direct relatives, close friends and musical associates of the composer are departing from the scene and the work has to fend for itself "alone". In the case of Bohuslav Martinu (and a small number of other composers) the music is passing the test, and is by no means "alone". Thanks in part to the concentrated efforts of the Bohuslav Martinu Foundation and Institute, interest in the work of this composer is growing. Not that his compositions are yet being played as often as he and they deserve. Especially abroad, performances tend to be scattered and "one-off" occasions, which from the point of view of listeners fail to create a much needed continuity in presentation of his works. Some areas of his music--principally his stage works--are far less known than they ought to be, given their importance both in Bohuslav Martinu's oeuvre and European music history. The 50th anniversary of the composer's death is an ideal opportunity for the systematic promotion of Martinu and his internationally momentous legacy.

Two important jubilees provide the frame of the international project Martinu Revisited, which has been initiated by the Bohuslav Martinu Institute. The start of the project marks the already mentioned 50th anniversary of the death of the composer, who died on the 28th of August 1959 in Liestal in Switzerland, while the project will end two years from now with celebrations...