Suk, Josef (
b Křečovice, 1874;
d Benešov, nr. Prague, 1935). Cz. composer and violinist. 2nd vn. in Bohemian Str. Qt. 1892–1933. Married Dvořák's daughter (
d 1905). Prof. of comp., Prague Cons. 1922–35. Early works influenced by Dvořák, but later developed a more complex harmonic and polyphonic style, sometimes near to atonality. Works incl.:ORCH.:
Serenade in E♭, str. (1892); sym. No.1 in E (1897–9), No.2
Asrael (1905–6);
Pohádka (Fairy Tales), suite (1899–1900);
Fantastic Scherzo (1903);
Praga (Prague), sym.-poem (1904);
Pohádka léta (A Summer's Tale) (1907–9);
Zráni (Harvest Time), sym.-poem (1912–17);
War Triptych, Op.35, No.1
Svatý Václave (Oh, St Wenceslas),
Meditation on an old Bohemian Chorale (1914), No.2
Legend of the Dead Victors (1919), No.3 Sokol ceremonial march,
V nový život (Towards a New Life, 1919–20);
Fantasia in G minor, vn., orch. (1902).CHORAL:
10 Songs, women's ch. (1899);
4 Songs, male ch. (1900).VOICE(S) & PIANO/ORCH.:
Chant d'Amour, v., pf. (1892);
O matince (About Mother), 5 songs, v., pf. (1907);
Životem a snem (Life and Dreams), v., pf. (1909);
Epilogue, sop., bar., bass, ch., orch. (1920–9).CHAMBER MUSIC: 2 str. qts. (1896, 1911); pf. qt., pf. quintet, pf. trio; 4
Pieces, vn., pf.; Ballad, vn., pf.;
Meditation on old Bohemian Chorale Op.35a (1914), arr. for str. qt. from orch. work.PIANO: Sonata (1883); 6
Pieces (1891–3);
Spanish Joke (1909).
