Krejčí, Iša (František)

Krejčí, Iša (František), prominent Czech composer and conductor; b. Prague, July 10, 1904; d. there, March 6, 1968. He studied composition with Jirak and Novak and conducting with Talich at the Prague Cons, (graduated, 1929). He conducted at the Bratislava Opera (1928–32), then at the Prague National Theater (1933–34) and at the Prague Radio (1934–45). From 1945 to 1958 he was chief conductor of the Olomouc Opera, then artistic director of the Prague National Theater (1958–68). His music, in a neo-Classical idiom, is distinguished by vivacious rhythms and freely flowing melody. While the national Czech element is not ostentatious, its presence is well marked.

Works

dramatic: Opera: Antigone (1934); Poz-dvizeni ν Efesu (The Revolt at Ephesus), after Shakespeare’s Comedy of Errors (1939-43; Prague, Sept. 8, 1946). orch.:Maly balet (Small Ballet) for Chamber Orch. (1927–30); Sinfonietta (1929); Concertino for Piano and Wind Instruments (1935); Concertino for Violin and Wind Instruments (1936); Suite (1939); Sinfonietta- Divertimento (1939); Cello Concertino (1939–40); 20 Variations on an Original Theme (1946–7); Serenade (1947–50); 14 Variations on the folk song Goodnight, My Beloved (1951–52); 4 syms. (1954-55; 1956-57; 1961-63; 1961-66); Vivat Rossini, overture (1967). chamber:Divertimento-Cassation for Flute, Clarinet, Bassoon, and Trumpet (1925); 5 string quartets (1928, rev. 1935; 1953; 1960; 1962; 1965); Viola Sonatina (1928–29); Clarinet Sonatina (1929–30); Trio for Oboe, Clarinet, and Bassoon (1935); Trio for Clarinet, Double Bass, and Piano (1936); Nonet (1937); Sonatina concertante for Cello and Piano (1939); Wind Quintet (1964); Piano Trio, with Woman’s Voice (1967); 4 Pieces for Violin and Piano (1967). piano: Sonatina (1934); 3 Scherzinos (1945). vocal:A Little Mourning Music for Alto, Violin, Cello, Double Bass, and Piano (1936); Anticke motivy (Antique Motifs) for Low Man’s Voice and Orch. or Piano (1936); Ohlasy (Night Sounds) for Voice and Wind Quintet (1936); songs.

—Nicolas Slonimsky/Laura Kuhn/Dennis McIntire