Marvellous Martinů

Composer: Martinů
Repertoire: Sinfonietta La Jolla; Concerto Grosso, et al. Soloists
Artists: Prague Chamber Orchestra/Kukal
Rating:  4/5
Genre: Orchestral
Label: Supraphon SU 3958-2

It’s no surprise that Martinů celebrations are thin on the ground this year given that he shares his anniversary with Handel, Purcell and Mendelssohn. It’s cruel timing, and this sparkling disc shows why. The Sinfonietta La Jolla is feel-good music anyway, but it’s the ebullient performance here that leaves one walking taller. The orchestra trips through the tight rhythmic motives with a briskly flowing, humorous nonchalance that sounds almost jazz-like in places.