December 8, 1890:
Bohuslav Jan Martinu is born in Policka, Kingdom of Bohemia, Austro-Hungarian Empire, the fifth of five children born to Ferdinand Martinu, a cobbler, and Karolina Klimes, daughter of a cabinet maker. Along with being a cobbler, Mr. Martinu is sexton of St. James’ Church and fire warden. It is in their lodging in the tower that his wife gives birth.
September 1, 1897:
Bohuslav Martinu (6) begins school in Policka, simultaneously beginning violin lessons.
August 19, 1905:
Bohuslav Martinu (14) makes his professional debut as a solo violinist in an inn in Borová, Bohemia.
August 20, 1906:
16 townspeople of Policka, Bohemia, petition the town government to grant funding to their very talented favorite son, Bohuslav Martinu (15), to seek further musical training. The council will agree.
June 4, 1910:
Bohuslav Martinu (19) is expelled from the Royal and Imperial State Conservatory of Bohemia for “incorrigible negligence.”
December 11, 1911:
Bohuslav Martinu (21) fails miserably in the State Teaching Examination.
July 15, 1912:
Fantasy for violin and piano by Bohuslav Martinu (21) is performed for the first time, in Policka.
August 14, 1912:
Ballade to the Picture “Last Chords of Chopin by Krzec for piano by Bohuslav Martinu (21) is performed for the first time, in Policka by the composer.
August 15, 1912:
Two Nocturnes for string quartet by Bohuslav Martinu (21) is performed for the first time, in Policka. The composer plays violin.
December 10, 1912:
A year after his miserable failure, Bohuslav Martinu (22) barely passes the State Teaching Examination in Bohemia.
June 4, 1916:
Bohuslav Martinu (25) leaves Prague and returns to his home in Policka for the duration of the war.
February 17, 1917:
Burlesque for piano by Bohuslav Martinu (26) is performed for the first time, in Policka by the composer.
March 17, 1917:
Snow for piano by Bohuslav Martinu (26) is performed for the first time, in Policka by the composer.
August 3, 1918:
Shepherd’s Sunday Song for voice and piano by Bohuslav Martinu (27) is performed for the first time, in Policka.
January 12, 1919:
Czech Rhapsody, a cantata for baritone, chorus, orchestra, and organ by Bohuslav Martinu (28) to words of Jirasek, is performed for the first time, in Prague.
March 2, 1919:
Two Male Choruses by Bohuslav Martinu (28) to Lithuanian folk texts are performed for the first time, in Prague.
October 24, 1919:
Prelude in e flat minor for piano by Bohuslav Martinu (28) is performed for the first time, in Prague.
September 8, 1920:
The New Slovak Songs: 30 songs in two sets for voice and piano by Bohuslav Martinu (29) are performed for the first time, in Policka, the composer at the piano.
December 8, 1920:
Lullabies, a cycle for voice and piano by Bohuslav Martinu is performed for the first time, in Prague, on the composer’s 30th birthday. Also premiered is Martinu’s Three Songs for voice and piano.
February 18, 1923:
The orchestral suite Vanishing Midnight by Bohuslav Martinu (32) is performed for the first time, in Prague.
April 2, 1924:
Magic Nights, three songs for soprano and orchestra by Bohuslav Martinu (33) to Chinese texts, is performed for the first time, in Prague.
September 11, 1924:
Istar, a ballet by Bohuslav Martinu (33) to a story by Zeyer after Babylonian texts, is performed for the first time, in the National Theatre, Prague.
December 7, 1924:
Half-time, a rondo for orchestra by Bohuslav Martinu, is performed for the first time in Prague, on the eve of the composer’s 34th birthday. The critics and the audience are divided.
January 31, 1925:
Who is the Most Powerful in the World?, a ballet by Bohuslav Martinu (34), is performed for the first time, in the National Theatre, Brno.
May 2, 1925:
The Months, three songs for voice and piano by Bohuslav Martinu (34), are performed for the first time, in Paris.
November 12, 1925:
String Quartet no.2 by Bohuslav Martinu (34) is performed for the first time, in Berlin.
November 10, 1926:
Bohuslav Martinu (35) meets his future wife, Charlotte Quennehen at the Cirque Medrano in Paris.
November 21, 1926:
Concerto for piano and orchestra no.1 by Bohuslav Martinu (35) is performed for the first time, in Prague.
March 7, 1927:
Trois danses tchèques for piano by Bohuslav Martinu (36) is performed for the first time, in Paris.
March 17, 1927:
Duo no.1 for violin and cello by Bohuslav Martinu (36) is performed for the first time, in Paris.
April 2, 1927:
Film en miniature for piano by Bohuslav Martinu (36) is performed for the first time, in Paris.
October 10, 1927:
String Quartet no.1 by Bohuslav Martinu (36) is performed for the first time, in Prague.
November 17, 1927:
The Kitchen Revue, a jazz-ballet by Bohuslav Martinu (36) to a story by Kroschlova, is performed for the first time, in Prague.
November 18, 1927:
La Bagarre for orchestra by Bohuslav Martinu (36), composed to celebrate the transatlantic flight of Charles Lindbergh, is performed for the first time, in Boston to great success.
February 11, 1928:
The Revolt, a ballet by Bohuslav Martinu (37) to his own story, is performed for the first time, in the National Theatre, Brno.
May 5, 1928:
The Soldier and the Dancer, an opera by Bohuslav Martinu (37) to words of Budin after Plautus, is performed for the first time, in the National Theatre, Brno.
June 7, 1928:
Jazz-Suite for chamber orchestra by Bohuslav Martinu (37) is performed for the first time, in Baden.
December 14, 1928:
La Symphonie by Bohuslav Martinu (38) is performed for the first time, in Symphony Hall, Boston. It was composed to commemorate the event in June 1918 when the first Czechoslovak flag was presented to the Czechoslovak regiment in Darney, France. On the same program is the premiere of Lento molto for string orchestra by Aaron Copland (28).
August 18, 1929:
Prelude for piano by Bohuslav Martinu (38) is performed for the first time, in Policka by the composer.
August 29, 1929:
Incidental music to Pirandello’s play Six Characters in Search of an Author by Bohuslav Martinu (38) is performed for the first time, in Policka.
January 5, 1930:
A suite for clarinet, bassoon, trombone, violin, cello, and piano from the ballet The Kitchen Revue by Bohuslav Martinu (39) is performed for the first time, in Paris.
January 24, 1930:
Blues for piano by Bohuslav Martinu (39) is performed for the first time, in Paris.
May 5, 1930:
Five Short Pieces for violin and piano by Bohuslav Martinu (39) is performed for the first time, in Paris.
November 5, 1930:
Violin Sonata no.1 by Bohuslav Martinu (39) is performed for the first time, at the École Normale de Musique, Paris.
November 14, 1930:
Piano Trio no.1 by Bohuslav Martinu (39) is performed for the first time, in Paris.
January 9, 1931:
Three Songs to Poems by Guillaume Apollinaire by Bohuslav Martinu (40) is performed for the first time, in Prague.
March 21, 1931:
Bohuslav Martinu (40) marries a French woman, Charlotte Quennehen, at the Paris Registry Office near Porte d’Auteuil. She is a successful dressmaker.
December 13, 1931:
Concerto for cello and orchestra no.1 by Bohuslav Martinu (41) is performed for the first time, in Berlin.
March 18, 1932:
Les Rondes for oboe, clarinet, bassoon, trumpet, two violins, and piano by Bohuslav Martinu (41) is performed for the first time, in Paris.
May 26, 1932:
Melo, a film with music by Bohuslav Martinu (41) is shown for the first time, in Paris.
July 3, 1932:
Festive Overture for the Sokol Festival for orchestra by Bohuslav Martinu (41) is performed for the first time, in Prague.
October 10, 1932:
Concerto for string quartet and orchestra by Bohuslav Martinu (41) is performed for the first time, in London.
December 3, 1932:
Partita for string orchestra by Bohuslav Martinu (41) is performed for the first time, in Prague.
January 20, 1933:
Violin Sonata no.2 by Bohuslav Martinu (42) is performed for the first time, in Paris.
February 3, 1933:
Rhythmic Etudes for violin and piano by Bohuslav Martinu (42) is performed for the first time, in Prague.
April 4, 1933:
Old Czech Nursery Rhymes for women’s voices by Bohuslav Martinu (42) is performed for the first time, in Prague.
April 25, 1933:
String Sextet by Bohuslav Martinu (42) is performed for the first time, in Washington.
April 29, 1933:
Two Ballads to folksong texts for alto and piano by Bohuslav Martinu (42) is performed for the first time, in Prague.
September 19, 1933:
Spalicek, a cycle of folksongs, miming, and dancing for women’s chorus and orchestra by Bohuslav Martinu (42) is performed for the first time, in the National Theatre, Prague. See 2 April 1949.
February 20, 1934:
Sonata for two violins and piano by Bohuslav Martinu (43) is performed for the first time, in London.
March 2, 1934:
Unfaithful Marijka, a film with music by Bohuslav Martinu (43), is shown for the first time, in Prague.
March 9, 1934:
Piano Quintet no.1 by Bohuslav Martinu (43) is performed for the first time, in Paris.
April 4, 1934:
Czech Nursery Rhymes for female chorus by Bohuslav Martinu (43) is performed for the first time, in Prague.
September 8, 1934:
Inventions for orchestra by Bohuslav Martinu (43) is performed for the first time, in Venice.
February 15, 1935:
String Trio no.2 by Bohuslav Martinu (44) is performed for the first time, in Paris.
February 23, 1935:
The Plays of Mary, an opera by Bohuslav Martinu (44) to words of Nezval, Závada, and the composer after various sources, is performed for the first time, in the National Theatre, Brno.
April 12, 1935:
Four Marian Songs for chorus by Bohuslav Martinu (44) to traditional Czech words, is performed for the first time, in Prague.
October 6, 1935:
The Voice of the Forest, a radio opera by Bohuslav Martinu (44) to words of Nezval, is performed for the first time, over Czechoslovak Radio originating in Prague.
November 13, 1935:
Concerto for piano and orchestra no.2 by Bohuslav Martinu (44) is performed for the first time, in Prague.
November 26, 1935:
Les Ritournelles for piano by Bohuslav Martinu (44) is performed for the first time, in Prague.
January 29, 1936:
Concerto for harpsichord and chamber orchestra by Bohuslav Martinu (45) is performed for the first time, in Paris.
February 7, 1936:
Incidental music to Gide’s play Oedipus by Bohuslav Martinu (45) is performed for the first time, over the airwaves of Czechoslovak Radio.
September 20, 1936:
The Suburban Theatre, an opera by Bohuslav Martinu (45) to his own words after folk poetry, Molière, and Debureau, is performed for the first time, in the National Theatre, Brno.
October 16, 1936:
Concerto for piano trio and strings no.2 by Bohuslav Martinu (45) is performed for the first time, in Basel.
December 27, 1936:
Concerto for flute, violin, and orchestra by Bohuslav Martinu (46) is performed for the first time, in Paris.
March 18, 1937:
The Comedy on the Bridge, a radio opera by Bohuslav Martinu (46) to his own words after Klicpera, is performed for the first time, over Czechoslovak Radio originating in Prague.
April 21, 1937:
Fantasy for two pianos by Bohuslav Martinu (46) is performed for the first time, in Prague.
July 1, 1937:
Sonata for flute, violin, and piano by Bohuslav Martinu (46) is performed for the first time, over the airwaves of Radio-Paris.
February 10, 1938:
Duo Concertant for two violins and orchestra by Bohuslav Martinu (47) is performed for the first time, in Lausanne.
March 14, 1938:
Trio for flute, violin, and bassoon by Bohuslav Martinu (47) is performed for the first time, in Paris.
March 16, 1938:
Julietta, an opera by Bohuslav Martinu (47) to his own words after Neveux, is performed for the first time, in the National Theatre, Prague. The public and press give it the best reception he will ever receive in Czechoslovakia.
June 13, 1938:
String Quartet no.4 by Bohuslav Martinu (47) is performed for the first time, privately, at the home of Cestmir Puc in Paris.
September 6, 1938:
Tre Ricercari for chamber orchestra by Bohuslav Martinu (47) is performed for the first time, in Venice.
March 16, 1939:
In Paris, Bohuslav Martinu (48) learns about the dismemberment of Czechoslovakia by reading about it in Le Figaro.
April 18, 1939:
Serenade no.2 for two violins and viola by Bohuslav Martinu (48) is performed for the first time, in Prague.
February 9, 1940:
Double Concerto for two string orchestras, piano, and timpani by Bohuslav Martinu (49) is performed for the first time, in Basel. Arthur Honegger (47) is in the audience and is greatly moved.
May 19, 1940:
Cello Sonata no.1 by Bohuslav Martinu (49) is performed for the first time, in Paris.
June 10, 1940:
Rudolf Firkusny telephones Bohuslav Martinu (49) and advises him to leave Paris immediately. Martinu and his wife find Charles Munch and ask if they can go to his place in Villefavard, near Limoges. Munch readily agrees and the couple leave immediately (after the four hour ticket line at the Gare d’Austerlitz). With so many refugees, there is no room at Munch’s house but they find a place in nearby Rancon.
September 13, 1940:
Bohuslav Martinu (49), in Aix-en-Provence, writes to Milos Safránek that they have been granted visas by the US consulate. The visas were largely the work of Safránek in New York, while Paul Sacher worked on the Vichy government to allow them to leave.
January 8, 1941:
Bohuslav Martinu (50) and his wife depart Marseille for Lisbon.
January 12, 1941:
Bohuslav Martinu (50) and his wife arrive in Lisbon, having travelled from Marseille and across Spain.
March 21, 1941:
Bohuslav Martinu (50) and his wife Charlotte depart Lisbon for the United States aboard the SS Exeter.
March 31, 1941:
Bohuslav Martinu (50) and his wife reach New Jersey from Lisbon aboard the Exeter.
November 14, 1941:
Concerto grosso for chamber orchestra by Bohuslav Martinu (50) is performed for the first time, in Boston. A scheduled 1938 premiere in Vienna was cancelled due to the Anschluss. One scheduled in Prague was cancelled because of the German invasion of Czechoslovakia. And a premiere scheduled in Paris in May 1940 was called off due to the German invasion of Belgium.
January 23, 1942:
Concerto da camera for violin, strings, piano, and timpani by Bohuslav Martinu (51) is performed for the first time, in Basel.
March 16, 1942:
Sinfonietta giocosa by Bohuslav Martinu (51) is performed for the first time, in New York.
March 18, 1942:
Cello Sonata no.2 by Bohuslav Martinu (51) is performed for the first time, in New York.
April 21, 1942:
Quartet for piano and strings by Bohuslav Martinu (51) is performed for the first time, at the Berkshire Music Center, Lenox, Massachusetts.
July 1, 1942:
Bohuslav Martinu (51) begins teaching at Tanglewood.
November 22, 1942:
Ritornels for piano by Bohuslav Martinu (51) is performed for the first time, in New York.
December 9, 1942:
The 20th anniversary of the League of Composers is celebrated in Town Hall, New York with several first performances, including String Quartet no.11 by Darius Milhaud (50), Quintet for flute and strings by Walter Piston (48), Danzón cubano for two pianos by Aaron Copland (42) performed by the composer and Leonard Bernstein (24), and Madrigal-Sonata for flute, violin, and piano by Bohuslav Martinu (52).
January 11, 1943:
New Spalicek, a cycle for voice and piano by Bohuslav Martinu (52), is performed for the first time, in New York.
January 23, 1943:
Bohuslav Martinu’s (52) cycle New Spalicek is broadcast over the BBC to occupied Czechoslovakia. It is performed by Czech refugees Otakar Kraus and Walter Susskind.
February 2, 1943:
Fantasy and Toccata for piano by Bohuslav Martinu (52) is performed for the first time, in Town Hall, New York.
April 7, 1943:
Suite Concertante for violin and orchestra by Bohuslav Martinu (52) is performed for the first time, in New York. This is done with piano accompaniment. See 28 December 1945.
May 1, 1943:
Variations on a Theme of Rossini for cello and piano by Bohuslav Martinu (52) is performed for the first time, in New York.
October 26, 1943:
Symphony no.2 by Bohuslav Martinu (52) is performed for the first time, in Cleveland.
October 28, 1943:
Memorial to Lidice for orchestra by Bohuslav Martinu (52) is performed for the first time, in New York to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Republic of Czechoslovakia.
November 5, 1943:
Concerto for two pianos and orchestra by Bohuslav Martinu (52) is performed for the first time, in Philadelphia.
November 25, 1943:
Sonata da camera for cello and chamber orchestra by Bohuslav Martinu (52) is performed for the first time, in Geneva.
December 31, 1943:
Concerto for violin and orchestra no.2 by Bohuslav Martinu (53) is performed for the first time, in Boston.
December 31, 1944:
Piano Quintet no.2 by Bohuslav Martinu (54) is performed for the first time, privately in Boston. See 4 March 1945.
February 28, 1945:
Trio for flute, cello, and piano by Bohuslav Martinu (54) is performed for the first time, in New York.
March 4, 1945:
Piano Quintet no.2 by Bohuslav Martinu (54) is performed publicly for the first time, in Times Hall, New York, in a program of Czechoslovak music to honor the birthday of Tomas Masaryk. See 31 December 1944.
September 1, 1945:
While vacationing on Cape Cod, Bohuslav Martinu (54) writes the first letter in four years that his family will receive.
October 12, 1945:
Symphony no.3 by Bohuslav Martinu (54) is performed for the first time, in Boston.
November 3, 1945:
Fantasia for theremin, oboe, string quartet, and piano by Bohuslav Martinu (54) is performed for the first time, in New York.
November 30, 1945:
Symphony no.4 by Bohuslav Martinu (54) is performed for the first time, in Philadelphia.
December 17, 1945:
Violin Sonata no.3 by Bohuslav Martinu (55) is performed for the first time, in New York.
December 19, 1945:
Thunderbolt P-47 for orchestra by Bohuslav Martinu (55) is performed for the first time, in Washington.
December 28, 1945:
Suite concertante for violin and orchestra by Bohuslav Martinu (55) is performed for the first time, in New York.
January 18, 1946:
Etudes and Polkas for piano by Bohuslav Martinu (55) is performed for the first time, in Carnegie Hall, New York.
February 28, 1946:
Field Mass, a cantata for baritone, male chorus, and orchestra by Bohuslav Martinu (55) to liturgical texts, is performed for the first time, in Prague.
July 25, 1946:
At the Barrington School for Girls, where he is housed while teaching at Tanglewood, late at night, Bohuslav Martinu (55) accidently falls from a second floor balcony fracturing his skull, crushing his spinal cord and breaking several ribs. He is finally discovered and rushed to Fairview Hospital where he will be in a coma for two days. He will be confined to bed for five weeks and then convalesce in Vermont. Along with being rendered deaf in one ear, he will live with headaches and severe depression for years.
October 15, 1946:
Songs on Two Pages for piano by Bohuslav Martinu (55) is performed for the first time, in Prague.
November 14, 1946:
Bohuslav Martinu (55) learns that he has been appointed to the Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts in Prague. But his doctors forbid any transatlantic journey presently.
January 21, 1947:
Two works commissioned to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Basel Chamber Orchestra are performed for the first time, in Basel: Symphony no.4 by Arthur Honegger (54) and Toccata e due Canzoni by Bohuslav Martinu (56).
February 26, 1947:
Divertimento for piano left hand and orchestra by Bohuslav Martinu (56) is performed for the first time, in Prague.
March 30, 1947:
Concertino for piano and orchestra by Bohuslav Martinu (56) is performed for the first time, in Bratislava.
May 1, 1947:
Three new works commissioned by Harvard University to accompany a symposium on music criticism are performed for the first time, at Sanders Theatre: String Quartet no.3 of Walter Piston (53), String Trio op.45 of Arnold Schoenberg (72), and the Sixth String Quartet of Bohuslav Martinu (56).
May 28, 1947:
Symphony no.5 by Bohuslav Martinu (56) is performed for the first time, in Prague.
October 16, 1947:
Three works by Bohuslav Martinu (56) are performed for the first time, in Prague: Serenade no.1 for clarinet, french horn, three violins, and viola, Serenade no.3 for oboe, clarinet, four violins, and cello, and the Divertimento for chamber orchestra.
December 22, 1947:
Three Madrigals for violin and viola by Bohuslav Martinu (57) is performed for the first time, in Times Hall, New York.
August 15, 1948:
The Strangler, a ballet by Bohuslav Martinu (57) to a story by Fitzgerald, is performed for the first time, in New London, Connecticut.
March 24, 1949:
Concertino for cello, brass, piano, and percussion by Bohuslav Martinu (58) is performed for the first time, in Prague.
April 2, 1949:
Spalicek, a ballet by Bohuslav Martinu (58) to his own story after Czech fairy tales, is performed for the first time, in the National Theatre, Prague. See 19 September 1933.
October 3, 1949:
Works commissioned by UNESCO for the 100th anniversary of Chopin's death are performed for the first time, in the Salle Gaveau, Paris. Among them are Le chant de la nuit for vocal soloists, chorus, and orchestra by Florent Schmitt (79), Estudio IV for piano by Carlos Chávez (50), and Mazurka-Nocturne for oboe, two violins, and cello by Bohuslav Martinu (58).
November 20, 1949:
Piano Concerto no.3 by Bohuslav Martinu (58) is performed for the first time, in Dallas.
December 18, 1949:
Sonata for flute and piano by Bohuslav Martinu (59) is performed for the first time, in New York.
March 13, 1950:
Five Czech Madrigals for chorus by Bohuslav Martinu (59) to traditional words are performed for the first time, in New York.
May 15, 1950:
Piano Trio no.2 by Bohuslav Martinu (59) is performed for the first time, in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
August 13, 1950:
Sinfonietta La Jolla for piano and chamber orchestra by Bohuslav Martinu (59) is performed for the first time, in the high school auditorium in La Jolla, California.
December 8, 1950:
Sinfonia concertante for violin, oboe, bassoon, cello, and orchestra by Bohuslav Martinu is performed for the first time, in Basel, on the composer’s 60th birthday.
December 29, 1950:
Intermezzo for orchestra by Bohuslav Martinu (60) is performed for the first time, in Louisville.
January 5, 1951:
Duo for violin and viola no.2 by Bohuslav Martinu (60) is performed for the first time, in New York.
January 14, 1951:
Concerto for two violins and orchestra by Bohuslav Martinu (60) is performed for the first time, in Dallas.
January 4, 1952:
Serenade for two clarinets, violin, viola, and cello by Bohuslav Martinu (61) is performed for the first time, in New York.
January 12, 1952:
Concerto for cello and orchestra no.1 by Bohuslav Martinu (61) is performed for the first time, in The Hague.
February 25, 1952:
Piano Trio no.3 by Bohuslav Martinu (61) is performed for the first time, in New York.
May 7, 1952:
Nonet for five recorders, clarinet, two violins, and cello by Bohuslav Martinu (61) is performed for the first time, at Basel Conservatory.
January 8, 1953:
Cello Sonata no.3 by Bohuslav Martinu (62) is performed for the first time, in Washington.
February 7, 1953:
The Marriage, a television opera by Bohuslav Martinu (62) to his own words after Gogol, is performed for the first time, over the NBC television network originating in New York.
February 19, 1953:
Rhapsody-Concerto for viola and orchestra by Bohuslav Martinu (62) is performed for the first time, in Cleveland.
May 5, 1953:
After twelve years in North America, and the gaining of American citizenship, Bohuslav Martinu (62) sails for Europe.
May 13, 1954:
Concerto for violin, piano, and orchestra by Bohuslav Martinu (63) is performed for the first time, in New York.
January 7, 1955:
Symphony no.6 “Fantaisies symphoniques” by Bohuslav Martinu (64) is performed for the first time, in Boston, the celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Boston Symphony Orchestra.
April 25, 1955:
Primrose, duets for soprano, alto, violin, and piano after Moravian folk poetry by Bohuslav Martinu (64), is performed for the first time, in Brno.
June 19, 1955:
Ticket to the Monument for piano by Bohuslav Martinu (64) is performed for the first time, in Bieberbach, West Germany.
July 31, 1955:
Hymn to Saint James, a cantata for solo voices, chorus, organ, and instruments by Bohuslav Martinu (64) to words of Danek, is performed for the first time, in his birthplace, Policka.
October 3, 1955:
Mount of Three Lights, a cantata for tenor, baritone, male chorus, and organ by Bohuslav Martinu (64) to words of Morton, the Bible, and traditional Moravian words, is performed for the first time, in Bern.
December 7, 1955:
The Opening of the Springs, a cantata for solo voices, female chorus, and instruments by Bohuslav Martinu to words of Bures, is performed for the first time, privately in Prague on the eve of the composer’s 65th birthday. See 7 January 1956.
January 7, 1956:
Vocal works by Bohuslav Martinu (65) are performed for the first time, in Policka: Three Sacred Songs for female voices and violin, The Opening of the Springs, a cantata for solo voices, female chorus, and instruments, to words of Bures (first public), and Easter for voice and piano to words of Erben. See 7 December 1955.
March 12, 1956:
Sonata for violin and piano by Bohuslav Martinu (65) is performed for the first time, in New York.
April 8, 1956:
Three Part Songs for female voices by Bohuslav Martinu (65) are performed for the first time, in Brno.
May 2, 1956:
Bohuslav Martinu (65) sails for Europe. He will never see America again.
August 8, 1956:
Concerto for oboe and chamber orchestra by Bohuslav Martinu (65) is performed for the first time, in Sydney.
August 26, 1956:
The Frescoes of Piero della Francesca for orchestra by Bohuslav Martinu (65) is performed for the first time, in Salzburg.
October 4, 1956:
Piano Concerto no.4 “Incantation” by Bohuslav Martinu (65) is performed for the first time, at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York.
April 11, 1957:
The first five of the ten Brigand Songs for male chorus by Bohuslav Martinu (66) to Slovak folk texts are performed for the first time, in Prague.
May 28, 1957:
The Legend of the Smoke from Potato Fires, a cantata for solo voices, chorus, and instruments by Bohuslav Martinu (66) to words of Bures, is performed for the first time, in Prague.
December 3, 1957:
Piano Sonata by Bohuslav Martinu (66) is performed for the first time, in Brno.
December 8, 1957:
On his 67th birthday, a plaque honoring Bohuslav Martinu is unveiled at the church tower where he was born, in Policka, Czechoslovakia. Martinu is currently in exile.
January 24, 1958:
Two works are performed for the first time, in Basel: Ernst Krenek’s (57) orchestral work Kette, Kreis und Spiegel, and Bohuslav Martinu’s (67) cantata The Epic of Gilgamesh to ancient Babylonian words.
February 18, 1958:
Sinfonia Concertante for two orchestras by Bohuslav Martinu (67) is performed for the first time, in Basel, 26 years after it was composed.
April 17, 1958:
The Rock for orchestra by Bohuslav Martinu (67) is performed for the first time, in Cleveland.
October 26, 1958:
The Romance of the Dandelions, a cantata for soprano and chorus by Bohuslav Martinu (67) to words of Bures, is performed for the first time, in Prague.
November 7, 1958:
Bohuslav Martinu (67) undergoes an operation in Pratteln, Switzerland which reveals the presence of incurable stomach cancer.
December 28, 1958:
The second five of the ten Brigand Songs for male chorus by Bohuslav Martinu (66) to Slovak folk texts are performed for the first time, in Prague.
January 31, 1959:
Fantasia Concertante for piano and orchestra by Bohuslav Martinu (68) is performed for the first time, in Berlin.
February 4, 1959:
Estampes for orchestra by Bohuslav Martinu (68) is performed for the first time, in Louisville.
February 13, 1959:
Parables, a symphonic suite by Bohuslav Martinu (68), is performed for the first time, in Boston.
May 17, 1959:
Mirandolina, an opera by Bohuslav Martinu (68) to his own words after Goldoni, is performed for the first time, in Prague.
May 30, 1959:
Bohuslav Martinu (68) is hospitalized once again, for the entire month of June.
June 15, 1959:
Madrigals (Part-Song Book) for chorus by Bohuslav Martinu (68) to traditional Moravian words is performed for the first time, in Brno.
June 18, 1959:
Mikes of the Mountains, a cantata for solo voices, chorus, and instruments by Bohuslav Martinu (68) to words of Bures, is performed for the first time, in Prague.
July 27, 1959:
Nonet no.2 by Bohuslav Martinu (68) is performed for the first time, in Salzburg.
August 8, 1959:
Bohuslav Martinu (68) enters a hospital in Liestal, Switzerland suffering from stomach cancer.
August 28, 1959:
19:30 Bohuslav Martinu dies of stomach cancer in Liestal, Switzerland, aged 68 years, eight months, and 20 days.
September 1, 1959:
The mortal remains of Bohuslav Martinu are laid to rest at Schönenberg, the villa of Paul Sacher, in Pratteln, near Basel. See 27 August 1979.
October 17, 1959:
Variations on a Slovak Folk Song for cello and piano by Bohuslav Martinu (†0) is performed for the first time, in Prague.
October 20, 1959:
Madrigals for chorus Bohuslav Martinu (68) to Moravian folk lyrics is performed for the first time, in Prague.
November 13, 1959:
Chamber Music no.1 for clarinet, violin, viola, cello, harp, and piano by Bohuslav Martinu (†0) is performed for the first time, in Braunschweig.
April 12, 1960:
Festival of Birds for children’s chorus and trumpet by Bohuslav Martinu (†0) is performed for the first time, in Brno.
April 17, 1960:
Little Songs for children’s choir by Bohuslav Martinu (†0) is performed for the first time, in Brno.
June 23, 1960:
Suite on the Frescoes of Piero della Francesca by Bohuslav Martinu (†0) is performed for the first time, in Granada, Spain.
March 2, 1961:
Ariane, an opera by Bohuslav Martinu (†1) to his own words after Neveux, is performed for the first time, in Gelsenkirchen.
June 9, 1961:
A revised version of The Greek Passion, an opera by Bohuslav Martinu (†1) to his own words after Kazantzakis, is performed for the first time, in Zürich. See 20 July 1999.
March 4, 1962:
Duo for violin and cello no.2 by Bohuslav Martinu (†2) is performed for the first time, in Basel.
March 30, 1963:
Sonata for violin and piano in D by Bohuslav Martinu (†3) is performed for the first time, in Prague, 37 years after it was composed.
April 2, 1963:
Prophecy of Isaiah for chorus and orchestra by Bohuslav Martinu (†3) to words of the Bible, is performed for the first time, in Jerusalem.
August 31, 1963:
Concerto for piano trio and strings no.1 by Bohuslav Martinu (†4) is performed for the first time, in Lucerne, 30 years after it was composed.
October 3, 1963:
Niponari, a cycle for female voice and piano by Bohuslav Martinu (†4) to Japanese poems, is performed for the first time, in Brno 51 years after it was composed.
February 18, 1964:
Alexandre bis, an opera by Bohuslav Martinu (†4) to words of Wurmser, is performed for the first time, in Mannheim, 27 years after it was composed.
January 27, 1965:
Six Simple Songs for voice and piano by Bohuslav Martinu (†5) is performed for the first time, in Prague, 48 years after it was composed.
May 25, 1965:
Concerto for cello and orchestra no.2 by Bohuslav Martinu (†5) is performed for the first time, in Ceske Budejovice, Czechoslovakia., 20 years after it was composed.
September 14, 1965:
Czech Madrigals for chorus by Bohuslav Martinu (†6) is performed for the first time, in Prague.
October 22, 1969:
Les larmes du couteau, an opera by Bohuslav Martinu (†10) to words of Ribemont-Dessaignes, is performed for the first time, in the National Theatre, Brno, 41 years after it was composed.
June 16, 1971:
Les trois souhaits, ou Les vicissitudes de la vie, a film opera by Bohuslav Martinu (†11) to words of Ribemont-Dessaignes, is performed for the first time, in the National Theatre, Brno 42 years after it was composed.
October 25, 1973:
Concerto for violin and orchestra no.1 by Bohuslav Martinu (†14) is performed for the first time, in Chicago, 40 years after it was composed.
January 8, 1979:
On Tourne, a ballet by Bohuslav Martinu (†19), is performed for the first time, in the National Theatre, Brno, 52 years after it was composed.
August 27, 1979:
On the eve of the twentieth anniversary of his death, the earthly remains of Bohuslav Martinu are reinterred in St. Michael’s Cemetery in the town of his birth, Policka, Czechoslovakia, next to those of his wife. Her remains were placed there on 8 December 1978, according to her wishes. A large crowd attends the ceremony. The graves are within sight of the tower of St. James’ Church, where he was born.
January 8, 1980:
The Amazing Flight, a “mechanical ballet” by Bohuslav Martinu (†20), is performed for the first time, over the airwaves of Czech Radio Vltava, 53 years after it was composed. See 25 June 1994.
April 11, 1980:
Check to the King, a jazz-ballet by Bohuslav Martinu (†20) to a story by Coeuroy, is performed for the first time, in the National Theatre, Brno, 50 years after it was composed.
December 1, 1980:
A fragment from Accusation Against the Unknown, an opera by Bohuslav Martinu (†21) to his own words after Neveux, is performed for the first time, in a concert setting in Brno, 27 years after it was composed.
September 1, 1990:
A statue of Bohuslav Martinu (†31) is unveiled in Policka, his birthplace. It is the first statue to Martinu in his native land. Several speeches are made, including one by Vaclav Havel, President of Czechoslovakia.
May 7, 1994:
A String Quartet in e flat minor by Bohuslav Martinu (†34) is performed for the first time, in Zürich, 77 years after it was composed.
June 25, 1994:
The Amazing Flight, a “mechanical ballet” by Bohuslav Martinu (†34), is staged for the first time, in Policka, Czech Republic, 67 years after it was composed. See 8 January 1980.
December 8, 1997:
Four Songs on Czech Folk Poetry for voice and piano by Bohuslav Martinu (†38) is performed for the first time, in Prague, on the 107th anniversary of the composer’s birth.
July 20, 1999:
The original version of The Greek Passion, an opera by Bohuslav Martinu (†39) to his own words after Kazantzakis, is performed for the first time, in Bregenz. See 9 June 1961.
March 28, 2003:
Day of Kindness, an opera by Bohuslav Martinu (†43) to words of Ribemont-Dessaignes after Ehrenburg, is performed for the first time, in Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic 72 years after it was composed.
July 26, 2003:
Games, Set I for piano by Bohuslav Martinu (†43) is performed for the first time, in Cesky Krumlov, Czech Republic 72 years after it was composed.
October 1, 2009:
Nocturne no.1 for orchestra by Bohuslav Martinu (†50) is performed for the first time, in Prague, 94 years after it was composed.
April 18, 2012:
Quintet for piano and strings by Bohuslav Martinu (†52) is performed for the first time, in Brno, 101 years after it was composed.