Most fans of the Debussy and Ravel string quartets wish that each composer had written more than one. Such fans will delight in the non-derivative, Bohemian impressionism of Martinu's string quartets. Martinu's work occupies an important niche in the lineage of Czech music.
The first quartet, written in 1918, opens with a sweet folk melody in the viola over a sustained chord by the other players, the latter creating the tonal quality of a church organ. This dualism characterizes the music's essential blend, combining Martinu's Czech heritage with the harmony of French impressionism and a searching approach to tone color by the use of string harmonics and sudden shifts to pizzicato.
The Martinu Quartet took the composer's name in 1985. Specializing in the music of Czech composers, they have enjoyed international acclaim and awards. Both name and fame are merited by this recording of the string quartets.