14
Mar
Biography
- Deeply interested in and inspired by folk music, many of his works are derived from folk tunes of Moravia and eastern Europe
- His signature musical style made use of “speech melodies” – transcribing spoken language into music. He studied the way peoples’ speech sounded, and how it changed with their moods
- In his 20s, he enrolled at the Prague Organ School. He couldn’t afford a piano to practice, so he made do with keyboard drawn onto his desk.
- While in school, he published a criticism of his teacher that got him expelled! But the school eventually let him re-enroll, and he graduated at the top of his class.
Famous Works
Listen to Janáček
These pieces made Leoš Janáček famous all around the world. Press a Listen button and hear the music for yourself!
Taras Bulba
Jenůfa (opera)
The Cunning Little Vixen
Symphony Spotlight
Where can you hear Leoš Janáček's music?
The Columbus Symphony brings this music to life on stage. Check out these programs, and maybe you can hear it in person!
