Composer

:

Bohuslav Martinu

Genre

:

Chamber

Style

:

Wind Quintet

Compose Date

:

Jan 9, 1959 - Feb 1, 1959

Publication Date

:

1959

First Performance

:

Jul 1959

Average_duration

:

16:17

Movement_count

:

3

Movement ....

Bohuslav Martinu's Nonet for wind quintet, violin, viola, cello & double bass, H. 374 was composed in 1959, during the composer's final years in Switzerland. The piece was premiered on January 22, 1961, in Basel, Switzerland, by the Basel Chamber Ensemble. The Nonet is divided into three movements. The first movement, marked Poco allegro, begins with a lively and rhythmic theme introduced by the wind quintet. The violin and viola then enter with a more lyrical melody, which is developed and passed around the ensemble. The movement ends with a return to the opening theme. The second movement, marked Adagio, is a slow and introspective piece. The wind quintet introduces a mournful melody, which is then taken up by the strings. The movement builds to a climax before subsiding into a quiet and reflective coda. The final movement, marked Allegro, is a lively and energetic piece. The wind quintet and strings engage in a playful dialogue, with each group taking turns leading the ensemble. The movement ends with a rousing coda that brings the piece to a thrilling conclusion. The Nonet is characterized by Martinu's distinctive style, which blends elements of Czech folk music with modernist techniques. The piece is full of rhythmic vitality, colorful harmonies, and inventive textures. Martinu's use of the wind quintet and string ensemble creates a rich and varied sound palette, with each instrument contributing to the overall texture of the piece. Overall, Martinu's Nonet for wind quintet, violin, viola, cello & double bass, H. 374 is a masterful work that showcases the composer's unique voice and skillful handling of instrumental forces.

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