Deutsche Grammophon brings a fresh, crystal‑clear take on the Czech composer’s late‑century masterpiece.
A record that breathes new life into a forgotten masterpiece
Last week, Deutsche Grammophon released a full‑length CD featuring the Bamberger Symphoniker under the baton of Czech conductor Jakub Hrůša. The five‑disc set (or a streamlined two‑disc edition, depending on the market) covers all six symphonies written by Bohuslav Martinů between 1942 and 1954—his most mature and arguably most compelling symphonic output.
Martinů, who fled Europe in 1941 to escape the Nazis and found refuge in the United States, wrote the six symphonies in his exile. “They are a kind of emotional diary, where lyricism, epic tragedy and the bright energy of Bohemian folk colours collide,” Hrůša told the press in an interview that accompanied the release. “The Bamberger Symphoniker, with its own Prague‑centric lineage, feels an almost ancestral kinship to these works.”
The Bamberger Symphoniker: From Prague’s Estates Theatre to Bamberg’s gilded concert hall
The Bamberg Symphony’s artistic lineage stretches back to the Estates Theatre in Prague and to the city’s vibrant musical culture of the 19th century. Founded in 1946 in the German city of Bamberg, the orchestra has become known for its warm, rich sound that resonates with audiences across the globe. This partnership with Hrůša—a conductor whose entire musical life is steeped in Czech traditions—has produced a recording that feels both historically informed and emotionally immediate.
Why Martinů matters
Bohuslav Jan Martinů (1890‑1959) is often grouped with the likes of Prokofiev and Bartók for his daring blend of Czech folk motifs with modernist structures. His early work, such as Half‑time and La Bagarre, experimented with French modernism and jazz idioms. The 1930s saw him firmly embrace neoclassicism, producing dense textures that outpaced many of his contemporaries. In his symphonies, the composer harnesses that same density, combining the grandeur of an American symphonic tradition with unmistakable Czech color.
The six symphonies were first performed by major U.S. orchestras during the 1940s and 1950s and have since become a staple of the 20th‑century symphonic repertoire—though still far less frequently recorded than the works of their peers. This new release gives listeners a rare chance to hear them with exceptional clarity and a contemporary lens.
The conductor: Jakub Hrůša, a Czech visionary
Born in Brno in 1981, Hrůša studied piano and trombone before turning to conducting under the mentorship of Evžen Holiš and, later, Jiří Bělohlávek at the Academy of Performing Arts in Prague. A prize‑winner at the 2003 Lovro von Matačić competition in Zagreb, he quickly moved up the ranks: from the Bohuslav Martinů Philharmonic in Zlín to the Prague Philharmonia, then to the Czech Philharmonic, and, most recently, to chief conductor of the Bamberg Symphony (2016–present) and music director designate of the Royal Opera House (effective 2025).
Hrůša’s affinity for Martinů is more than academic; it is a personal and professional obsession. He has written a bilingual anthology on the composer and has conducted every one of Martinů’s symphonies in concert. His interpretations are known for their “clarity, depth, and expressive power”—qualities that shine through on this recording.
What to expect from the album
- Authenticity: The Bamberger Symphoniker’s warm tone, combined with Hrůša’s nuanced understanding of Czech idioms, provides a setting that feels both faithful to the scores and fresh to modern ears.
- Cohesive narrative: The six symphonies, while distinct, share a thematic thread of longing and resilience that is amplified by the conductor’s phrasing and the orchestra’s dynamic range.
- Exceptional sound quality: Recorded in a top‑tier studio, the album offers crystal‑clear orchestral texture—no less than 44‑bit digital fidelity and a wide dynamic spectrum.
Why it matters for listeners
For anyone looking to deepen their understanding of 20th‑century Czech music or simply craving a masterful symphonic experience, this album delivers on all fronts. It marries a historically informed performance practice with contemporary recording technology, providing a listening experience that is as intellectually stimulating as it is emotionally moving.
Whether you’re a long‑time Martinů enthusiast or a newcomer to the composer’s work, the Bamberger Symphoniker’s new recording under Jakub Hrůša offers an indispensable addition to any modern classical collection.
Cover album: © 2026 Deutsche Grammophon GmbH, Berlin
