Suk, Josef

views updated May 29 2018

Suk, Josef (b Křečovice, 1874; d Benešov, nr. Prague, 1935). Cz. composer and violinist. 2nd vn. in Bohemian Str. Qt. 1892–1933. Married Dvořák's daughter (d 1905). Prof. of comp., Prague Cons. 1922–35. Early works influenced by Dvořák, but later developed a more complex harmonic and polyphonic style, sometimes near to atonality. Works incl.:ORCH.: Serenade in E♭, str. (1892); sym. No.1 in E (1897–9), No.2 Asrael (1905–6); Pohádka (Fairy Tales), suite (1899–1900); Fantastic Scherzo (1903); Praga (Prague), sym.-poem (1904); Pohádka léta (A Summer's Tale) (1907–9); Zráni (Harvest Time), sym.-poem (1912–17); War Triptych, Op.35, No.1 Svatý Václave (Oh, St Wenceslas), Meditation on an old Bohemian Chorale (1914), No.2 Legend of the Dead Victors (1919), No.3 Sokol ceremonial march, V nový život (Towards a New Life, 1919–20); Fantasia in G minor, vn., orch. (1902).CHORAL: 10 Songs, women's ch. (1899); 4 Songs, male ch. (1900).VOICE(S) & PIANO/ORCH.: Chant d'Amour, v., pf. (1892); O matince (About Mother), 5 songs, v., pf. (1907); Životem a snem (Life and Dreams), v., pf. (1909); Epilogue, sop., bar., bass, ch., orch. (1920–9).CHAMBER MUSIC: 2 str. qts. (1896, 1911); pf. qt., pf. quintet, pf. trio; 4 Pieces, vn., pf.; Ballad, vn., pf.; Meditation on old Bohemian Chorale Op.35a (1914), arr. for str. qt. from orch. work.PIANO: Sonata (1883); 6 Pieces (1891–3); Spanish Joke (1909).

Suk, Josef

views updated May 21 2018

Suk, Josef (b Prague, 1929). Cz. violinist, grandson of Josef Suk. Début Prague 1940. Played in Prague Nat. Th. orch. and in Prague Qt. 1951–2. Won Cz. State Prize 1964. Soloist in concs. with world's leading orchs. Salzburg début 1963. Amer. début and London début (Proms) 1964.