The Concerto in G minor is the only piano concerto by Czech composer Antonín Dvořák. The solo part is intertwined with the orchestra rather than being opposed to it, as is usually the case. Despite this, it is challenging to play, having been described as "unplayable" or "written for two right hands." Since its premiere in 1878, various revisions have been created to make it easier for soloists to perform, and over time, it has been met with enthusiasm by audiences worldwide.
For Bohuslav Martinů, his Symphony No. 1 was also an exceptional work. After emigrating to the USA in 1941, he realised that if he wanted to make a mark on the musical scene, he needed to create a repertoire for the great American orchestras. Shortly after that, he received a commission from the Boston Symphony Orchestra. The first movement was composed in Jamaica, the second and third in Vermont, and the final in Massachusetts. The work calls for profound thoughts, wrote Martinů. Undoubtedly, both composers dedicated much thought to the creation of these pieces.
Symphony No. 1 by Bohuslav Martinů performed by the Prague Symphony Orchestra conducted by Tomáš Brauner:
