Duration: 8 minutes

Description: Bohuslav Martinů (1890–1959) composed Fables, H. 138 in 1924, shortly after moving to Paris, where study with Albert Roussel and contact with the city’s modernist atmosphere helped sharpen many of the qualities that would mark much of his music. Written for solo piano, the five short character pieces (“On the Farm”; “The Poor Rabbit”; “The Monkeys”; “The Chicken”; “The Angry Bear”) suggest miniature animal scenes with playful economy rather than literal storytelling. Fables, H. 138 remains a compact and attractive example of Martinů’s early piano music – not a central repertory staple, but a useful recital, teaching, and encore work valued for its charm and accessible modernist language. Reprint edition.

• M105291 / 36-M105291 FABLES PNO $3.95Buy Now