Martinu"s First Symphony, booklet notes like to claim, was composed in Jamaica. What they neglect to mention is that the Jamaica in question is not the tropical island but Queens, New York. Like so many artists displaced by the Second World War, Martinu found himself trying to survive in the New World and enthusiastically supported by his fellow expatriates. The First Symphony was premiered by the Boston Symphony, the Second by George Szell in Cleveland. Both are sunny, lyrical, and recognizably Czech in inspiration. These performances by the home team are lovely in every way, and at midprice they make a fine introduction to a major composer just now coming back into his own. --David Hurwitz