Steel Strings and Iron Curtains

As you know, the 30th anniversary of the Velvet Revolution is coming up on November 17th. Just in time, we wanted to introduce the English-speaking community to Central Europe’s versions of Bob Dylan, Leonard Cohen, Tom Waits, Ray LaMontagne and Elliot Smith through Steel Strings and Iron Curtains. In this extraordinary project, a group of...

ENTERTAINMENT, Music

September 30, 2019

Antonín Dvořák and His Recorded Works

Today’s post is dedicated to the memory of Antonín Dvořák, the great Bohemian composer. America and the Czech Republic (Bohemia) have a warm place in their hearts for Dvorak. Both country’s love him on account of his visit to America, the influence of the works he wrote in America, and for the splendid lesson he...

Bohemians, History, Music

August 26, 2019

The Night a Russian Cellist Wept for Czechs

It is quite rare to view a live recording of a truly legendary performance, yet I was blessed to do so a few years ago. In a documentary about Mstislav Rostropovich, the genius Russian cellist, I saw such a performance, the night a Russian cello wept for Czechs. It was the 1968 Proms season and...

ENTERTAINMENT, Music

Groovy Dancing and Communist Tanks: Stark Contrasts of Prague in August of 1968

August 16, 2019

Caught in the Clash of Groovy Dancing and Communist Tanks – Prague Spring 1968

What does groovy dancing have to do with communist tanks? Not much, but one day in August of 1968, groovy music videos were being filmed simultaneously in and around Prague. A popular television program at the time, Europarty had crews filming music videos for the show. It was the height of Prague Spring, and there...

History, Music, NOSTALGIA

August 2, 2019

Jiří Šlitr – Czech Pop Music & Theatre in the 1960s

When thinking of Czech pop music and theater, there is one main person to mention in that position and that would have to be Jiří Šlitr (1924 – 1969). This mega-talent boasted a wide artistic scope – he was a composer, virtuoso pianist, singer, actor and artist. He learned to play the piano from his...

Art and Design, CULTURE, Movies, Music, Theater

May 20, 2019

Reminiscences of One of Antonín Dvořák’s Pupils

I must confess to being addicted in finding the most rare, forgotten, and set aside information. This very intimate reminiscence of Antonín Dvořák was written by William Arms Fisher and appeared in The Phonograph Monthly Review, Vol. 1: No. 8. May 1927. Without further ado, I’m sure you will enjoy this piece, especially if you...

Bohemians, Music

January 9, 2019

The History Of Amati Instrument Production

In Kraslice, a city known as the cradle of musical instrument production in Bohemia, the records of the production of stringed instruments can be seen all the way back to the first half of the 17th century. By the 18th century, the music industry had made a leap from producing strictly violins to wind instruments. Before...

History, NOSTALGIA

January 2, 2019

Listen to Bill Clinton Play Saxophone Live in Prague

As a child growing up in Arkansas, William Jefferson Clinton had a passion for music and considered it to be one of his favorite hobbies. He especially loved jazz music and favored the sound of the saxophone, so it was no surprise when he started playing and practicing daily. In school he played in the jazz ensemble,...

ENTERTAINMENT, Music

April 29, 2018

While You Are Sleeping (Zatím co ty spíš) by Miroslav Černý

Today I am sharing one of my most favorite Czech songs entitled Zatím co ty spíš (While You Are Sleeping) by Miroslav Černý. I have yet to listen to this song without crying! Once you read the lyrics below (in both Czech and my translation to English), you will understand why! Unfortunately, I cannot locate a...

ENTERTAINMENT, Music

Býchory_Chateau_aka_Castle_of_the_Stradivarius_Violin

April 23, 2018

Býchory Chateau, Castle of the Stradivarius Violin and Jan Kubelík

Near the city of Kolín lies a small village known as Býchory (only 7 km northeast). In this village, sits a unique a Neo-Gothic castle chateau estate. Today we are going to call the Býchory chateau, the castle of the Stradivarius violin because it was once owned by world famous Bohemian violinist and composer, Jan Evangelista Kubelík. I suggest that...

Bohemians, Czech Republic, ENTERTAINMENT, History, Music

April 18, 2018

Listen to This: Nové Struny To Ti Rikám Já

Nové Struny are a Czech band made up of a younger generation of men who bringing back classic Czech tramp and swing music with a modern spin. Every Czech knows the nostalgic country sound that awoke and inspired feelings of freedom and patriotism back in the communist era. This campfire music, known as “Tramp music”...

ENTERTAINMENT, Music

March 16, 2018

The Czech Composer Who Married Dvořák’s Daughter

On January 4, 1874, a boy was born in the small Bohemian village of Křečovice. His name was Josef Suk. Over the years, as he grew, so would his love and his involvement in music. At a young age, Suk began his musical training under the guidance of his father, Josef Suk senior. His father...

Bohemians, PEOPLE

March 5, 2018

Vintage Czech Songbook Covers and Their Lovely Art

Czech songbook covers have a very special place in my heart because of the artwork which is always apparent. Be it the drawing or illustration or the distinctly Czech layout of text, I feel like each one is a unique treasure. Today I am sharing some of my personal favorites, and where possible, links to...

ENTERTAINMENT, Music, Time Warp

February 26, 2018

Czech Opera and Operetta Diva Jarmila Kšírová

The lovely Jarmila Kšírová was a very talented Czech Opera and Operetta diva. She was born December 29, 1910 in Prague and died on November 27, 1983 in East Berlin. With her singing talent and natural beauty, she reaped success all over Europe. Like many other gorgeous Czech women, her natural beauty and attractiveness is...

Music, PEOPLE, Women