The Three Lyric Pieces, H 98, were written in Prague in 1915 during World War I. Number one certainly has a ding-dong quality of Martinů-ish bells, and fascinating harmonic progression almost two minutes into the piece. The second movement has a popular sounding introduction, almost as if it were from a musical theatre piece. The body of the work is beautiful, with interesting harmonizations. The third scherzando movement includes stereotypical western treatment of oriental music, bringing to mind the music of American impressionist Charles Tomlinson Griffes – particularly his Piano Sonata.
The recording of the composition was released for the first time by Naxos in 2009 (Martinů: Complete Piano Music, Vol. 6 – Esquisses, Jeux, Lyric Pieces; Giorgio Koukl).
Mark Gresham a Cary Lewis, Martinů: Complete Piano Music, Vol. 6 – Esquisses, Jeux, Lyric Pieces; Giorgio Koukl).