Claus Peter Flor’s partially complete series of Martinu symphonies (Nos. 3 and 4 were never recorded) came out when choices were more limited than they are now. Basically, there was the sloppy but often exciting Järvi (BIS), and the more venerable Neumann and Ancerl performances on Supraphon. Other, singleton versions existed but were difficult if not impossible to obtain. Flor’s prospective cycle began with Symphonies Nos. 5 and 6, adequate but not thrilling versions. This release was better. The syncopated rhythms have more swing and more confidence, particularly from the strings, and this makes the first movement of Symphony No. 1 very persuasive, while the gentle lyricism of the Second Symphony finds everyone at or near top form. Flor and his players don’t quite clarify Martinu’s busy textures as Thomson would do later on Chandos, nor does his woodwind section sing as sweetly as the Czechs do, but on the whole these are lovely performances, and if you’re a fan of this music, they’re well worth hearing–avaliable via Arkivmusic.com’s “on demand” program.
