Holoubek, Ladislav

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Holoubek, Ladislav

Holoubek, Ladislav, Slovak conductor and composer; b. Prague, Aug. 13, 1913. He studied composition with Moyzes at the Bratislava Academy of Music (1926–33) and with Novak at the Prague Cons. (1934–36). He conducted at the Slovak National Theater in Bratislava (1933-52; 1959-66) and at the State Theater in Kosice (1955-58; from 1966). His operas have contributed significantly to the advancement of modern Slovak opera.

Works

dramatic:opera (all 1st perf. in Bratislava unless otherwise given): Stella (March 18, 1939; rev. 1948-9 and 1954-55); Svitarne (Dawn; March 12, 1941); Tuzba (Yearning; Feb. 12, 1944; rev. 1963 and 1969); Rodina (The Family; Nov. 12, 1960); Professor Mamlock (May 21, 1966); Balovské zarty (Shepherds’ Games; 1975; Kosice, Jan. 16, 1981). ORCH.: Sym. (1946); Sinfonietta (1950); 10 Variations on an Original Theme (1950); Defiances and Hopes, symphonic poem (1973). CHAMBER: Violin Sonata (1933); 3 string quartets (1936, 1948, 1962); Wind Quintet (1938); Trio for Flute, Violin, and Harp (1939); 2 piano sonatas (1931, 1937). VOCAL: Cantatas and songs.

—Nicolas Slonimsky/Laura Kuhn/Dennis McIntire