Martinu writes to his publisher at the State Publishing House of Literature, Music, and Arts shortly before his death: I am still in a hospital, so I will reply briefly. I gave you my compositions (for which you are sending my contracts) with pleasure, however, be so kind and use the old contract formulas. I do not understand the new versions. My fee will be 15% and please confirm the number of free copies for me. As well, be so kind and send me my fee here. It is concerning cycles 'Buresuv,' 'Petrklic,' 'Zboinicke,' and 'Nonet.' Regarding 'Zboinicke' you have mentioned in a letter that you have already sent them to me, but I did not receive them.

Bohuslav Martinu's prolific output boasts six symphonies, fifteen operas, and fourteen ballet scores; he is widely considered, after Janácek, the most important Czech composer of the twentieth century. Like Stravinsky and Schoenberg before him, Martinu embraced the neo-classical style, incorporating traits of eighteenth-century music into his compositions. His music has become increasingly popular in recent years.