Kubelík, Jan
Kubelík, Jan
Kubelík, Jan, famous Czech-born Hungarian violinist, father of (Jeronym) Rafael Kubelik; b. Michle, near Prague, July 5, 1880; d. Prague, Dec. 5, 1940. He began violin training with his father, then studied with Sevcik (violin) and Foerster (composition) at the Prague Cons. (1892–98). After making his Prague debut in 1898, he continued his studies in Vienna, where he performed for the first time on Nov. 26, 1898. In 1900 he made his London debut, and thereafter made a series of triumphant tours of Europe and the U.S. He was awarded the Gold Medal of the Phil. Soc. of London in 1902. In 1903 he married a Hungarian countess and became a naturalized Hungarian citizen. He continued his active career for over 4 decades, giving a series of farewell concerts in 1939-40. On May 8, 1940, he gave his last concert in Prague, after his beloved homeland had been dismembered by the Nazis. Kubelik was one of the foremost virtuosos of his day. He also composed; wrote 6 violin concertos, as well as a Sym. and some chamber music; likewise prepared cadenzas for the Beethoven, Brahms, and Tchaikovsky violin concertos.
Bibliography
J. Celeda, J. K. (Prague, 1930); B. Voldan, Skladby J.a K.a (J. K/s Compositions; Prague, 1933); H. Dolezil, Mistr housli J. K. (The Master of the Violin J. K.; Prague, 1941); K. Hoffmi-ester, J. K. (Prague, 1941); J. Dostal, ed., J. K. (Prague, 1942).
—Nicolas Slonimsky/Laura Kuhn/Dennis McIntire