Suk's Asrael Symphony was dedicated to the 'noble memory of Dvořák and Otilka' after the deaths of his father-in-law and wife.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Suk identified himself and his wife Otilka with the lovers Radúz and Mahulena from Julius Zeyer's play, and music from the play reappears in later works at poignant biographical points.
Composition History
Suk's Fairy Tale (Pohádka) originated as incidental music for Julius Zeyer's play Radúz and Mahulena, a tale of constant love and a supernatural curse.
Composition History
The Asrael Symphony is named after the scriptural angel of death and is an eloquent outpouring of grief composed on a gigantic scale.
Composer Biography
Josef Suk, like many Czech musicians, was part of a musical dynasty and studied with his father, also Josef Suk, who was a schoolmaster.
Composer Biography
Josef Suk studied composition for a year with Antonín Dvořák, and later married Dvořák's daughter, Otilie (Otilka).
Critical Reception
Antonín Dvořák, a respected authority, described Suk's Fairy Tale music as 'music from heaven'.
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