Kocián, Jaroslav

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Kocián, Jaroslav

Kocián, Jaroslav, noted Czech violinist and pedagogue; b. ùst nad Orlici, Feb. 22, 1883; d. Prague, March 9, 1950. He studied violin with Sevcik at the Prague Cons. (1896–1901), and also took lessons in composition with Dvořâk. After his graduation, he traveled widely as a concert violinist, almost rivaling the success of his famous compatriot Jan Kubelik. He made 4 American tours; also appeared in Asia and Africa. He also served as a prof, at the Odessa Cons. (1907–09). In 1928 he abandoned his concert career. He was a prof, at the Master School of the Prague Cons. (1924–43), and also its rector (1939–40). He composed several effective violin pieces, as well as choruses and songs.

Bibliography

B. Urban, Mistr J. K. (Kolin, 1926); V. Polivka, S K.em kolem svëta (With K. Round the World; Prague, 1945); C. Sychra, ed., J. K.: Sbornik stati a vzpominek (J. K.: Collections of Articles and Recollections; Prague, 1953); A. èlajs, /. K. (Pardubice, 1958).

—Nicolas Slonimsky/Laura Kuhn/Dennis McIntire