Games I were composed in 1931 in Paris. The composer’s autograph has been preserved in the archives of the Czech Museum of Music in Prague. Until recently, it was known by the singularly unattractive name Four Untitled Pieces. Only in 2006, in agreement with the Bohuslav Martinů Institute, did Harry Halbreich give it the title Jeux I, H 205, with reference to the stylistic andd temporal affinity with the cycle Games II, H 206. The fast passages are of a vigorous scherzo nature, and also of interest is the frequent use of polytonal techniques, which come across as completely natural and spontaneous. The only leisurely part of Games I is Allegretto (number 3), whose simple and beautiful melody fully conceals the fact that it all takes place in the non-traditional 5/8 bar structure, affording the composer a host of possibilities for refined rhythmic changes. The premiere took place on July 26, 2003, in Český Krumlov, performed by Karel Košárek.
Aleš Březina, Martinů: Jeux, Prague: Supraphon, 2008.