Neo-classic style of Bohuslav Martinu's instrumental compositions

Bohuslav Martinus compositions during the 1920s and 1930s are characterized by a distinctive neo-classic style, noticeably influenced by nouveau classicisme. After his studies and first successes in Prague, Martinu moved to Paris in 1923, where he lived until the Nazi invasion forced him to flee the country. During this period he developed a new compositional style, neo-classic in nature, which can be observed in numerous concertos for chamber and string orchestra. Relevant stylistic traits incorporated in the Concerto for Harpsichord and Chamber Orchestra, H 246 (1935) and the Concerto for Two String Orchestras, Piano, and Timpani, H 271 (1938), often referred to as the Double Concerto, will be discussed. Noteworthy is the strikingly advantageous synthesis of compositional elements of nouveau classicisme and components peculiar to Martinus personal style.