New Volume of Critical Edition: Field mass, The Spectre’s Bride

Bohuslav Martinů:
FIELD MASS, H 279
​THE SPECTRE’S BRIDE, H 214 I A

The Bohuslav Martinu Complete Edition VI/2, vol. 2
Editor Paul Wingfield
Lyrics in Czech
BA 10573-01, cloth bond score (25,5 x 32,5 cm)

· first ever scholarly-critical edition
· detailed preface and critical commentary by the editor (Eng/Cz)​
· facsimiles section presenting important sources
· Appendix with​ the original version of the ending of the Field Mass and period translations of lyrics of the Field Mass in the section Libretos

The present volume of the Bohuslav Martinů Complete Edition (BMCE) contains two vocal-instrumental works. The “Field Mass” (1939) with a text by Jiří Mucha incorporating bible and liturgy quotes was created in reaction to the outbreak of the Second World War and intended for outdoor performances. The cantata “The Spectre’s Bride” with a text by Karel Jaromír Erben was composed in 1932 as part of the ballet “Špalíček” (meaning “Chapbook”); the composer later took out the cantata, making it into a stand-alone concert piece.

The autograph scores served as primary sources for both works. The edition of the “Field Mass” (including its performance materials) also contains the original version of the ending with a quote from the Czech medieval hymn “Jezu Kriste, štědrý kněže” (“Jesu Christ, Bountiful Priest”) and a number of contemporary translations.

Distribution