Symphony No. 6, Fantaisies symphoniques
Bohuslav Martinu
Work background
Researched classical background
Martinu's final symphony carries the title Fantaisies symphoniques, reflecting a freer approach to the growth of its musical material. Short motifs are repeated and transformed across three movements, and a passage recalls his opera Julietta. The composer described the score as music taking shape freely, a useful clue to its continuously changing orchestral relationships.
Inspiration and creative background
Martinu described a freely developing musical form and included a recollection of his opera Julietta.
American Symphony Orchestra: Martinu Sixth Symphony
Composer explanation of freely developing form, short motivic units and Julietta quotation | Reviewed 2026-10-19
A listening guide
Follow the small repeating motifs as they expand, overlap and change instrumental colour.
Listening suggestions are editorial guides to the music.
Forces: Orchestra
Composition: 1951-1953
Composed 1951-53; premiered in 1955.
This entry describes the musical work or cycle. Composition, premiere and publication dates describe different events. Performers and recordings can be explored through the external listening search.
Also known as: Fantaisies symphoniques; Symphonic Fantasies
Boosey & Hawkes: Martinu Sixth Symphony
1951-53 composition, H343, orchestration and Fantaisies symphoniques title | Reviewed 2026-10-19
American Symphony Orchestra: Martinu Sixth Symphony
Composer explanation of freely developing form, short motivic units and Julietta quotation | Reviewed 2026-10-19
Sources for this work
Boosey & Hawkes: Martinu Sixth Symphony
1951-53 composition, H343, orchestration and Fantaisies symphoniques title | Reviewed 2026-10-19
American Symphony Orchestra: Martinu Sixth Symphony
Composer explanation of freely developing form, short motivic units and Julietta quotation | Reviewed 2026-10-19
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