Martinů studied briefly at the Prague Conservatory (before being dismissed for "incorrigible negligence") and later continued to study on his own. He left Czechoslovakia for Paris in 1923, although he retained many links with his birthplace. When the German army approached Paris early in the Second World War he fled, first to the south of France, and then to the United States in 1941.
Martinů was a very prolific composer, writing almost 400 pieces. He is not as well-known as his countryman, Leos Janacek, but several of his works are still performed, among them his choral work, The Epic of Gilgamesh (1955); his symphonies, particularly the sixth; his concertos, including those for cello, oboe and five for the piano; and his chamber music.
Martinů's music displays a wide variety of influences: works such as La Revue de Cuisine (1927) are heavily influenced by jazz, while the Double Concerto for two string orchestras, piano and timpani (1938) is one of several works to show the influence of the Baroque concerto grosso. A number of his works were influenced by Czech folk music. He also admired the work of Claude Debussy and Igor Stravinsky, among other composers.