Bohuslav Martinů left his home in Polička, Cisleithania, to transform from a local violinist into a prolific creator of modern classical music. His career spanned continents and political upheavals, encompassing the composition of six symphonies, fifteen operas, and fourteen ballet scores that integrated Czech folk traditions with diverse international styles including jazz, neoclassicism, and surrealism.
Early Development and Prague
Born in 1890, Martinů spent his early years in Bohemia before moving to the capital to attend the Prague Conservatory. His formal education proved difficult, as he preferred self-directed study and analysis of French impressionist scores over traditional coursework. After an early dismissal for negligence, he returned to Polička, where he composed his initial works while working as a draftsperson and teacher. By 1920, he secured a position in the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra and resumed formal composition studies under Josef Suk, gaining recognition with the cantata Czech Rhapsody.
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In 1923, Martinů relocated to Paris on a scholarship, where he sought mentorship from Albert Roussel. During this productive era, he experimented with various contemporary movements, including surrealism and jazz-infused rhythmic structures. His work gained notice from conductor Serge Koussevitzky, who premiered his symphonic triptych, La Bagarre. Throughout these years, he maintained strong ties to his homeland, frequently drawing upon Bohemian and Moravian melodies for his ballets and orchestral compositions.
Emigration and Later Works
The German invasion of France forced Martinů to flee to the United States in 1941. This period marked the start of his serious symphonic career, with his six symphonies receiving wide performances across the country. During his time in America, he taught at Princeton University and continued his prolific output. Following stints living in Europe during the 1950s, he eventually returned to Switzerland. He died in 1959 in Liestal and was laid to rest, leaving behind a body of work that includes notable pieces such as The Epic of Gilgamesh, Julietta, and The Greek Passion.
Fast facts
- Born: 1890, Polička
- Died: 1959, Basel and Liestal
- Primary occupations: Composer, violinist, university teacher
- Education: Prague Conservatory
- Notable awards: Rome Prize, Guggenheim Fellowship (1953)
- Membership: American Academy of Arts and Letters
- Citizenship: Cisleithania, Czechoslovakia, United States
- Symphonic output: 6 symphonies
Questions readers ask
What stylistic influences defined his work?
He moved from early Romantic training to French impressionism, neoclassicism, and jazz, consistently incorporating Bohemian and Moravian folk elements.
Where did he spend his final years?
After working in the United States and teaching at Princeton, Martinů returned to Europe and died in Switzerland in 1959.
Achievements
- Rome Prize
- Order of Tomáš Garrigue Masaryk, 2nd class — 1991
- Notable work: Ariane
- Notable work: Concerto for Oboe and Small Orchestra
- Notable work: Les Larmes du couteau
- Notable work: The Opening of the Wells
- Instruments: violin
- Genres: opera, symphony and classical music
