Vorlova, Slavka (1894–1973)

Czech composer, conductor, pianist, singer and teacher. Name variations: Miroslava; (pseudonym) Mira Kord. Born in Nachod, Czechoslovakia, on March 15, 1894; died in Prague on August 24, 1973.

Was the first woman in Czechoslovakia to receive a music degree in composition (1948); composed over 100 works, including over 20 symphonic works and three operas; also composed jazz and modern music.

Slavka Vorlova lost her voice while studying singing under Rosa Papier at Vienna's Music Academy, so she studied composition under Vitezslav Novak and piano under Vaclav Stephan in Prague. Following her marriage in 1919, she established musical evenings which became quite well known. At the end of World War II, she decided to study composition at the Prague Conservatory and in 1948 became the first woman to receive a degree in composition in Czechoslovakia. Vorlova was a prolific composer who wrote over 100 works which cover a wide range of styles. Rozmarynka is a folk opera set in a 19th-century Czech village. Although folk music greatly influenced her, she also made unusual use of instruments. Aleatorics, dodecaphony and serial techniques played an increasing role in her music after 1960. Using the name Mira Kord, Vorlova composed many jazz works and songs.

sources:

Cohen, Aaron I. International Encyclopedia of Women Composers. 2 vols. NY: Books & Music (USA), 1987.

Sadie, Stanley, ed. New Grove Dictionary of Music and Musicians. 20 vols. NY: Macmillan, 1980.

John Haag , Athens, Georgia