Monika Knoblochova - Martinu: Harpsichord Works (2004)

Historically informed performance practice is no longer just an issue for Baroque or Classical music, but now a relevant matter in twentieth century music, as well, as this 2005 release from Supraphon demonstrates. Harpsichordist Monika Knoblochová has applied her considerable scholarship and meticulous keyboard skills in rendering Bohuslav Martinu's entertaining works for harpsichord and small instrumental groups in their original state, as found in the manuscripts, without compromises or later editorial changes. Martinu's "Back to Bach" pieces, along with the quirky Concerto (1923-1926) by Manuel de Falla, seem to benefit from this exacting period treatment, and the vivacious Concerto for harpsichord and chamber orchestra (1935) may be appreciated as one of the most satisfying neo-Baroque works since Stravinsky's celebrated "Dumbarton Oaks" Concerto. Promenades for transverse flute, violin and harpsichord (1939) is almost as delightful in its fresh sonorities, though it borders on silliness in its bubbly repartee, and unfortunately sounds too much like a weak pastiche of Telemann, except for the spiky Scherzando and the polytonal Poco allegro. Martinu's solo harpsichord pieces fill out the rest of the CD, and Knoblochová seems most absorbed in the fantastic Sonata (1958), where Martinu provides more substance than stylistic imitation or humorous antics. The Two Pieces (1935) and the Two Impromptus (1959) are rather more like intellectual exercises, pleasant enough as diversions but not essential listening. Supraphon's sound quality is excellent.