Amazingly, Bohuslav Martinů’s concertante compositions for violoncello have been brought together for the first time on this double CD. Along with the two Cello Concertos, Petr Nouzovský and the Pilsen Philharmonic under Thomas Brauner also perform the Concertino and the Sonata da Camera – a richly coloured portrait of this composer whose playful treatment of his musical creations continues to fascinate us even today.

Deeply rooted in the Bohemian musical tradition, Martinů’s compositions combine rhythmic sophistication, traditional folk motifs, and a classical understanding of form. His concertante works were inspired both by the Baroque concerto grosso and the romantic virtuoso concerto. And of course by Paris: French neoclassicism centering on Stravinsky and the Groupe des Six has left behind clear traces.