| Content | Rudolf Firkušný remembers BM in the text “My Friend Bohuslav Martinů” on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of his birth. Although he had known and played BM's music during his studies, it was not until 1931 that they met in Paris. They met frequently, often when Charlotte Martinů invited RF to share their meals. He mentions the composer's appearance, which earned him the nickname “Flinta” (meaning rifle) from Rudolf Kundera, and describes BM's personality in detail – his intellect, wit, interests and love of nature. He adds an anecdote about a botched performance of the SONATA FOR VIOLONCELLO No. 2, H 286, when he was accompanying an unnamed cellist who was playing badly and BM was present in the audience. He also recounts the aftermath of the composer's fall at Tanglewood in 1946. Finally, RF talks about his returns to Prague for the Prague Spring Festival; he came alone in 1946, and a planned trip in 1948 was thwarted for both him and Martinů by the communist coup. Ultimately, RF did not return to Prague professionally until May 1990. He then paid tribute to his friend with a performance of his CONCERTO FOR PIANO AND ORCHESTRA No. 2, H 237 – at the same venue where he had premiered the work in 1935. |