Bohuslav Martinů (1890–1959) is one of the most important Czech composers of the twentieth century. He spent the better part of his life outside his native country. He lived in Paris (1923–1940), New York (1941–1953) and he later divided his time between Europe and America. A highly prolific composer, Martinů composed music in almost every genre. He wrote 15 operas, 14 ballets, choral works and Lieder; his output in chamber music is considerable with works for 2–12 instruments, piano pieces and orchestral works including 6 symphonies.
He composed Symphony no. 4 in April–June 1945, which received its premi?re in November that year, with Jenő Ormándy conducting the Philadelphia Orchestra. The work follows the classical four-movement pattern, with the Scherzo second and the slow movement third. A key element of the frequently Impressionist sonority is the piano, playing almost throughout the work, a trademark of Martinů. The composer’s mature style is usually referred to as neoclassical; Symphony no. 4, too, has subtle references to Beethoen and Schubert.