Czech 19-20th century violinist and composer, he was one of the most important romantic bohemians with Dvorak and Smetana. Related to Dvorak, he left many very fine symphonic, solo piano and chamber works. Founder of the Czech String Quartet. Famous grandson. Who was he?

markswood

Josef Suk Ref: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Josef_Suk_%28composer%29 Jan 24 08, 5:52 AM

Baloo55th

He was only related by marriage, having married Otilka (Otilie) Dvorak in 1898. It was a tragically short marriage, and Suk's magnificent Asrael Symphony of 1906 was a sort of requiem for both Otilka and Antonin, her father, who both died in 1905. http://saintpaulsunday.publicradio.org/featured_artists/suk.html If you've never heard it, look for the Asrael. Much of Suk's work is neglected outside his homeland, unfortunately. Jan 24 08, 10:12 AM

Baloo55th

Just a request for an edit to the question itself. Tthe composers referred to were Bohemian rather than bohemian. People referred to as bohemian were more to be found in Montmartre living lives of Art, drink and poverty. Not really applicable to Dvorak, Smetana and Suk. Jan 24 08, 10:52 AM

Arpeggionist

Beat me to it, Markswood. As it happens, the grandson Suk left behind a number of really great recordings of a wide variety of violin music. Among the recordings is one where he plays both solo parts in Mozart's famous Sinfonia Concertante. And I also have his recording of the Brahms violin sonatas and piano trios. Jan 24 08, 5:59 PM

Cem1942

IMHO, best Suk recordings on violin were his czechs composers; Dvorak,Suk,Novak etc. Dvorak's v.c.and works for violin and piano are excelent. But about Suk composer, I strongly recommend Ginette Neveu's recording of his 4 violin and piano pieces (op.17 I think?).Extraordinary. Jan 25 08, 2:17 PM