Martinu and the Symphony

Crump quotes with approval Martinu's injunction to composers to 'be wary of false magnitude' (...). He has evidently taken that injunction to heart and applied it to his own writing, and in the process he has produced an engaging book that should do much to enhance the esteem of a unique and treasurable corner of the symphonic repertory. MUSIC & LETTERS Crump provides... a sequence of magnificently enlarged programme essays that will surely resonate with the composer's admirers and also provoke wider interest. ... (Crump's) passion is infectious. TLS Crump's comprehensive investigation of Martinu's symphonic legacy is a particularly welcome occasion. ... (the author's) musical descriptions provide a personal perspective that acts as a counterweight to the more formal analysis. This dual approach seems perfectly suitable, and indeed reflects the music of Martinu itself. MLA NOTES This is the first book in English on this topic intended to help the music-lover to a deeper understanding of the Symphonies and orchestral music of Martinu. The author identifies the elements of his melodic, harmonic and instrumental style which produce Martinu's very personal vibrant and organic symphonic manner. The book is illustrated with almost 200 musical examples, taken not only from the Symphonies but also from Martinu's other works for large orchestra. MUSIC WEB INTERNATIONAL Dans la langue de Shakespeare (quoique dans un style facilement abordable), Michael Crump nous invite a une exploration tres pedagogique des ouvres symphoniques du maitre de Poliuka. (...) Crump livre egalement -en trois chapitres separes- une brillante synthese analytique sur le style melodique, l'harmonie et l'art de l'orchestration de Martinu (...) Cet ouvrage trouve une place de choix dans la bibliotheque des admirateurs de Martinu. CRESCENDO (A) major study of his music, based round his set of six Symphonies, is to be welcomed in the wake of the anniversary of his death. Michael Crump really knows his Mar