Czech musicians died when they were 70
Here are 11 famous musicians from Czech Republic died at 70:
Walter Schleger
Walter Schleger (September 19, 1929 Prague-December 3, 1999) was a Czech personality.
He was best known for his contribution to the Czech art world as a painter and graphic artist. Schleger's artwork was heavily influenced by the Cubist art movement, which emerged in Bohemia in the early 20th century. He received his formal art training at the Academy of Fine Arts in Prague, where he learned traditional techniques such as painting, drawing, and printmaking.
In addition to being an accomplished artist, Schleger was also a respected art educator. He taught at the Academy of Fine Arts in Prague for many years and mentored numerous young artists who went on to successful careers in the field. His dedication to teaching and his passion for art helped to inspire a new generation of Czech artists.
Schleger's artwork has been exhibited in galleries and museums around the world, including the National Gallery in Prague, the Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. His unique style and bold use of color continue to inspire artists and art lovers to this day.
Schleger's notable works include his cubist paintings – "Still Life with Guitar" and "Music Sheet" – which were praised for their bold use of color and angular shapes. He also created an extensive series of prints, which demonstrate his mastery of various printmaking techniques such as etching, lithography, and woodcutting. Schleger's works from the 1960s and 1970s also show his experimentation with abstract expressionism.
In addition to his artistic and educational contributions, Schleger was also a prominent member of the Czech cultural sphere. He was actively involved in the Czech Union of Fine Arts and was a recipient of the prestigious National Artist Award. Despite being a prominent figure in Czech art history, Schleger's works were often censored and suppressed during the communist era in Czechoslovakia.
After his death in 1999, Schleger's legacy continued to flourish through retrospective exhibitions including the Memorial Exhibition at the National Gallery in Prague in 2001. Walter Schleger's influence on the development of Czech art is significant, and his contributions to the art world continue to inspire artists and creators worldwide.
Schleger was born in Prague in 1929 to a Jewish family. During World War II, Schleger and his family were displaced to the Terezín concentration camp in Czechoslovakia. Schleger survived the Holocaust and returned to Prague after the end of the war. His experiences during the war deeply influenced his artwork, which often featured dark, somber themes.
In addition to his work as an artist and educator, Schleger was also an avid traveler. He visited many countries throughout his life, including Spain, Italy, and Greece, and found inspiration in the art, architecture, and landscapes of these places.
Schleger's artwork has been described as a reflection of his life experiences, combining his enthusiasm for experimentation with his deep emotional connection to the world around him. His legacy as an artist and educator continues to shape Czech art today, with many young artists citing him as a significant influence on their work.
Read more about Walter Schleger on Wikipedia »
Wilhelm Przeczek
Wilhelm Przeczek (April 7, 1936 Karviná-July 10, 2006 Třinec) was a Czech writer and journalist.
He started his career as a sports journalist before turning towards literature later in life. Wilhelm Przeczek became renowned for his contributions to Czech literature, with various works published during his lifetime, contributing greatly to the country's literary landscape. He was awarded the Czech Literary Fund Award in 1998 for his contributions to Czech literature. He also served as a member of the board of the Czech Writers' Association. Throughout his life, Przeczek remained committed to advocating for cultural and artistic freedom, even under communist rule. His contributions to the cultural landscape of the country are still remembered today.
In addition to his literary achievements, Przeczek also worked as an editor and translator. He translated numerous works of literature from German into Czech, including notable books by Friedrich Nietzsche and Franz Kafka. Przeczek was a graduate of the Faculty of Philosophy at the University of Ostrava and also taught at the university for several years. He was known for his dedication to education and promoting literacy, often holding workshops and lectures for aspiring writers and students. Przeczek was also a passionate advocate for human rights, often highlighting the importance of free speech and expression. He remains an important figure in Czech literature and journalism, inspiring generations of writers and journalists to follow in his footsteps.
Przeczek's most notable works include the novel "Minulost" (The Past) and the collection of short stories "Vzdušné zrcadlo" (Air Mirror), among others. His works often explored themes of identity, memory, and the complexities of human relationships. Przeczek's writing style was characterized by its lyrical and introspective nature, with a focus on the inner lives of his characters.
In addition to his literary contributions, Przeczek was also an active participant in the Velvet Revolution, which saw the downfall of communism in Czechoslovakia. He played a vital role in organizing protests and advocating for democratic reforms. Even after the revolution, Przeczek remained active in politics, often speaking out against corruption and injustice.
Przeczek passed away in 2006 at the age of 70. He left behind a legacy as a prolific writer and passionate advocate for freedom of expression and human rights. His contributions to Czech literature and journalism continue to be celebrated today, and his works remain popular among readers and scholars alike.
Read more about Wilhelm Przeczek on Wikipedia »
Petr Chelčický
Petr Chelčický (April 5, 1390 Vodňany-April 5, 1460) a.k.a. Petr Chelcicky was a Czech writer.
He is known for being a leading figure of the Bohemian Reformation and for authoring the influential text "Net of Faith" (Sítě víry), which promoted nonviolence and pacifism in Christian life. Chelčický was born into a wealthy family and received a formal education in Prague, where he was exposed to the ideas of Jan Hus and Wycliffe. After having become disillusioned with the corruption and violence of the Catholic Church, he began to advocate for a simpler way of life based on the teachings of Jesus. Chelčický's works were widely circulated among the Bohemian peasantry and played an important role in shaping the Hussite movement. His ideas also had an impact on subsequent religious reformers such as the Anabaptists and Mennonites. Chelčický's legacy can be seen in modern Christian pacifist movements such as the Quakers.
Chelčický was not only a prolific writer but also an influential thinker. He believed that the church had become too institutionalized and lost sight of its original purpose of spreading the message of Jesus Christ. He advocated for a return to the simple and humble lifestyle of the first Christians and believed that a true Christian could not participate in acts of violence or warfare. He also opposed the idea of priests acting as intermediaries between God and the people, arguing that every person could have a direct relationship with God.
Despite his ideas being influential, Chelčický faced opposition from both the Catholic Church and Hussite leaders who were advocating for a more militant approach to reform. A number of his followers were even executed for their beliefs. However, his ideas ultimately prevailed, and nonviolence and pacifism became integral parts of the Czech Protestant tradition.
Today, Chelčický's ideas continue to inspire people around the world who believe in nonviolence, Christian pacifism, and the power of an individual's direct relationship with God. His legacy also lives on in the Czech Republic, where he is celebrated as a symbol of the country's long tradition of religious reform and dissent.
Chelčický's influence on religion and society extended beyond his lifetime. His work inspired early Anabaptists, who adopted many of his ideas on nonviolence and separation of church and state. His emphasis on the direct relationship between individuals and God also contributed to the development of free churches and religious congregations outside of traditional denominations. As a result, he is considered a significant figure in the evolution of modern religious pluralism.
Chelčický's writings, including "Net of Faith," continue to be studied and translated into various languages. In 1990, the Czech Republic honored him with a postage stamp commemorating the 600th anniversary of his birth. His influence also extends to literary works, where he is cited in the writing of Czech authors such as Franz Kafka and Václav Havel.
Despite persecution and opposition, Petr Chelčický remained steadfast in his beliefs and advocated for a peaceful and just society. His legacy continues to inspire people across the world who seek religious freedom, nonviolence, and social justice.
Read more about Petr Chelčický on Wikipedia »
Ivan Olbracht
Ivan Olbracht (January 6, 1882 Semily-December 30, 1952 Prague) also known as Kamil Zeman was a Czech writer and journalist.
He studied law and economics at Charles University in Prague and later worked as a journalist for various newspapers, including Lidové Noviny, Národní Politika, andČeský deník. Olbracht's literary works often explored social injustice and rural life in Czechoslovakia. His most famous work is the novel, "Nikola Šuhaj loupežník" (Nikola Šuhaj, the Robber) which was published in 1931 and focuses on the life of a Slovak outlaw during the 18th century. Olbracht was also awarded the title of National Artist in 1950 for his contributions to Czech literature.
Olbracht was not only a writer, but also a political activist. He was involved in the Czechoslovak resistance during World War II and was later elected to the National Assembly in 1945. He was a member of the Communist Party of Czechoslovakia, but became disillusioned with the regime and was eventually expelled from the party in 1950. Olbracht continued to write and publish, but faced censorship and persecution from the government. Despite these challenges, his works remain an important part of Czech literature and continue to be studied and celebrated today.
Olbracht's writing style was characterized by its realism and attention to detail, which was influenced by his background as a journalist. He also drew inspiration from his travels, particularly his visits to rural areas of Czechoslovakia. In addition to his novels and short stories, Olbracht also wrote non-fiction work on topics such as history and politics. He was a prolific writer, with more than 30 books published throughout his career.
During his lifetime, Olbracht was widely respected for his literary contributions and his political activism. Despite his affiliation with the Communist Party, he was known for his independent thinking and willingness to speak out against injustice. After his death, his legacy continued to inspire generations of Czech authors and activists. In recent years, there has been renewed interest in his work, with new translations and adaptations of his novels and essays being produced. Overall, Ivan Olbracht remains an important figure in Czech literature and political history, whose contributions continue to resonate with readers today.
Read more about Ivan Olbracht on Wikipedia »
Karel Kašpar
Karel Kašpar (May 16, 1870 Mirošov-April 21, 1941 Prague) was a Czech personality.
He was a respected physician and professor of bacteriology at Charles University in Prague. He is best known for his pioneering work in the field of immunology, specifically for his discovery of bacteriophages, viruses that can kill bacteria. His research on phages played a crucial role in the development of phage therapy, a method of treating bacterial infections that is still used today. Kašpar was also known for his interest in public health, and for his efforts to improve sanitation and hygiene in Czechoslovakia. He served as the Director of the State Institute of Hygiene in Prague, and was active in various public health organizations. Despite his contributions to science and public health, Kašpar's academic career was cut short by the German occupation of Czechoslovakia in 1939. He died two years later, at the age of 70.
In addition to his scientific and public health work, Karel Kašpar was also involved in politics. He was a member of the Czechoslovak National Party and served in the Czechoslovak Parliament from 1920 to 1938. He was an advocate for democracy and Czechoslovak independence, and his political convictions led to conflicts with the Nazi regime after the occupation of Czechoslovakia. Despite the danger, Kašpar continued to speak out against the Nazis, and he was arrested by the Gestapo in 1941. He was imprisoned and tortured for several months before his death. His legacy as a scientist, public health advocate, and political activist continues to be celebrated in the Czech Republic today.
Karel Kašpar was born in Mirošov, a small town in western Bohemia, then part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. As a young man, he studied medicine at Charles University in Prague, where he later became a professor. He was a dedicated teacher who inspired many students to pursue careers in science and medicine.
Kašpar's work on bacteriophages was groundbreaking and earned him international recognition. In addition to his scientific research, he wrote extensively on topics related to public health and sanitation, and served on various committees and organizations devoted to these issues. He was a strong advocate for the use of vaccines and other preventive measures to combat epidemic diseases.
Kašpar's political career was marked by his commitment to the ideals of democracy and national sovereignty. He believed in the importance of an independent Czechoslovakia and worked tirelessly to promote its interests. He was a frequent speaker at public events and used his position as a member of parliament to advance his causes.
After the Nazi invasion of Czechoslovakia in 1939, Kašpar's life became increasingly difficult. He was forced to resign from his academic posts and was under constant surveillance by the Gestapo. Despite the danger, he continued to speak out against the Nazis and was eventually arrested and imprisoned. He died while in custody, leaving behind a legacy of bravery and dedication to scientific and political ideals.
Read more about Karel Kašpar on Wikipedia »
Jiří Raška
Jiří Raška (February 4, 1941 Frenštát pod Radhoštěm-January 20, 2012) also known as Jiri Raska was a Czech personality.
He was a former ski jumper who competed for Czechoslovakia in the 1960s and early 1970s. During his career, he won three medals at the FIS Nordic World Ski Championships, including a gold medal in the individual large hill event in 1966. Raška also competed at two Winter Olympics, where his best individual finish was sixth in the large hill event at the 1968 Games in Grenoble. He later became a successful coach, guiding the Czechoslovakian and later Czech national ski jumping teams. In 1999, he was inducted into the International Ski Jumping Hall of Fame.
Apart from his success in ski jumping, Raška was also known for his philanthropic efforts. In 1990, he established the Jiří Raška Foundation, which aims to support young Czech athletes and promote sports in the country. The foundation has helped provide training opportunities and financial support for numerous athletes, including many ski jumpers. Raška himself was also a recipient of the Fair Play award, recognizing his sportsmanship and integrity both as an athlete and coach. He continued to be involved in sports even after retiring as a coach, serving as a member of the executive committee of the Czech Olympic Committee. He passed away on January 20, 2012, at the age of 70. His legacy continues to inspire and support young athletes in the Czech Republic.
In addition to his skiing career and philanthropic work, Jiří Raška was also a prominent figure in Czechoslovak sports politics during the communist era. He was an outspoken critic of the regime and helped organize the "Sport for All" movement, which sought to promote amateur sports as a way to counteract the government's efforts to monopolize and control athletic activities. Raška was arrested and imprisoned multiple times for his activism, but continued to speak out against oppression and injustice. His courage and dedication to both sports and human rights have made him a beloved and respected figure in the Czech Republic, and his legacy continues to inspire generations of athletes and activists.
Read more about Jiří Raška on Wikipedia »
Ivan Blatný
Ivan Blatný (December 21, 1919 Brno-August 5, 1990) a.k.a. Ivan Blatny was a Czech personality.
He was a poet, dramatist, and translator who was considered one of the most important Czech literary figures of the 20th century. Blatný gained popularity in the 1940s and 1950s with works such as "The Spheres", "Falstaff's Wedding", and "Farewell to the Last Judgement". However, he was forced to flee Czechoslovakia in 1948 due to the communist regime's crackdown on free speech and spent the rest of his life living in exile in the United Kingdom. Despite being separated from his homeland, Blatný continued writing and collaborating with other Czech expats to promote Czech literature and culture abroad. He was awarded numerous literary honors and awards throughout his life, including the Egon Hostovský Prize, and was noted for his unique style and ability to blend traditional Czech literature with modernist influences.
During his time in the UK, Blatný suffered from mental health issues and was hospitalized for several years. Despite this, he continued to write and publish, with works such as "Madonna and the Blind Man" and "At the End of the World, Turn Left" showcasing his unique poetic style and exploration of themes such as exile, loneliness, and nostalgia. Blatný also translated works by other Czech writers, including Karel Čapek and Franz Kafka, into English. In the 1980s, he was able to return to Czechoslovakia for visits, and his writing was once again appreciated in his homeland. Blatný's legacy continues to be celebrated both in the UK and in the Czech Republic, with his poetry and plays still being studied and performed today.
Blatný's life and work were greatly influenced by the political and cultural context of his time. His early works reflected the optimism and idealism of pre-war Czechoslovakia, while his later works explored the themes of loss, displacement, and cultural alienation that he experienced in exile. His literary style was innovative in its use of metaphors, symbols, and unconventional syntax, and he was known for his ability to blend the surreal and the mundane in his writing.
Blatný's experience of exile and mental illness also had a significant impact on his work. His poetry and plays often reflected his feelings of loneliness and isolation, and he frequently used dreamlike imagery to explore his inner life. In his later years, he became increasingly interested in spiritual and mystical themes, and many of his works reflected his search for meaning and transcendence in a world that he felt had lost its center.
Despite the challenges he faced, Blatný was a prolific and influential writer who made a significant contribution to Czech literature and culture. His work continues to inspire readers and writers today, and he remains one of the most important literary figures of the Czech Republic.
Read more about Ivan Blatný on Wikipedia »
Vlasta Burian
Vlasta Burian (April 9, 1891 Liberec-January 31, 1962 Prague) also known as Josef Vlastimil Burian or The King of the comiques was a Czech film director, actor, football player, comedian and singer. His child is called Emilie Burianová.
Burian began his career in the early 20th century as a stage actor and comedian. He starred in over 50 Czech films, many of which he also directed, during the 1930s and 1940s. He is best known for his performances in the comedies "Ulice zpívá" (The Street Sings) and "Dívka v modrém" (The Girl in Blue).
Aside from his successful career in entertainment, Burian was also a talented football player. He played for several teams in the Czech Republic and helped lead the Czechoslovakian national team to a silver medal in the football tournament at the 1920 Olympic Games in Antwerp.
In addition to his work in film and sports, Burian was also a singer and songwriter. He recorded several popular songs and composed music for several films.
Despite his success, Burian's career was adversely affected by the Nazi occupation of Czechoslovakia during World War II. He was arrested and imprisoned in 1944 for his opposition to the occupation.
Today, Burian is remembered as one of the greatest comedic actors in Czech film history. His legacy continues to inspire generations of Czech comedians and actors.
Burian was born to a family of actors and grew up in a theatrical atmosphere. He first appeared on stage at the age of six and made his professional theatre debut at the age of thirteen. He later went on to study at the Prague Conservatory, where he honed his acting and singing skills. After completing his studies, Burian appeared in several plays and operettas before turning his attention to film in the 1930s.
Burian's popularity soared during the peak of his career, earning him a devoted following both in the Czech Republic and abroad. He was also known for his charitable work and frequently gave performances to support various causes.
Despite his busy schedule, Burian remained committed to sports throughout his life. He continued to play football and was also an avid golfer and tennis player. In recognition of his contributions to sport, Burian was posthumously inducted into the Czech Football Hall of Fame in 2019.
Today, Burian is remembered as a versatile performer who excelled in a variety of fields. His enduring popularity is a testament to his remarkable talent and enduring legacy.
In addition to his film career, sports involvement, and charitable work, Vlasta Burian was also known for his political views. He became a member of the Communist Party of Czechoslovakia and openly voiced his support for the party, even during the era of the Cold War. This caused some controversy among his fans and critics alike.
Burian was also known for his wit and sense of humor off-screen, and was a beloved figure in Czech society. Even in his later years, he continued to make public appearances and give performances, despite failing health.
Today, Vlasta Burian is remembered as a national treasure in the Czech Republic, and his films and recordings continue to be enjoyed by fans around the world. His enduring legacy serves as a reminder of the power of comedic talent and the importance of cultural preservation.
He died caused by pulmonary embolism.
Read more about Vlasta Burian on Wikipedia »
Jan Nepomuk Maýr
Jan Nepomuk Maýr (February 17, 1818 Mělník-October 25, 1888 Prague) also known as Jan Nepomuk Mayr, Jan Nepomuk Mayer or Jan Nepomuk Maier was a Czech conductor, composer and opera singer.
He began his musical career as a chorister at the St. Vitus Cathedral in Prague and later studied at the Prague Conservatory. He won several awards for his compositions and was appointed the conductor of the Czech National Theatre in 1866, where he worked for over two decades. Maýr composed operas, choral music, and chamber music, and was particularly known for his works inspired by Czech folklore. He also taught music at the Prague Conservatory and mentored several successful composers, including Antonín Dvořák. Today, he is considered an important figure in the development of Czech national music.
Maýr's most famous opera is "Ludmila," which premiered in 1868 and is based on a Czech legend. He also composed the opera "Dalibor" and the choral work "Svatopluk." In addition to his work as a composer and conductor, Maýr was also a celebrated singer, performing in several operas as a baritone. He was awarded the title of "Kapellmeister" by the Emperor of Austria in 1876, recognizing his contributions to the world of music. Maýr's legacy continues to be celebrated in the Czech Republic, with the Jan Nepomuk Maýr Society working to preserve and promote his music.
Maýr's interest in Czech folklore led him to collect and transcribe numerous traditional songs, which he later incorporated into his compositions. He also wrote articles and essays on music theory and history, and was a respected music critic. His work as a conductor greatly contributed to the promotion and preservation of Czech music, and he was instrumental in establishing the Czech National Opera as a leading cultural institution. Maýr's influence on Czech music and culture was recognized during his lifetime and continues to be celebrated today. In his honor, the Czech government named a street in Prague after him and erected a statue in his honor in his hometown of Mělník.
Read more about Jan Nepomuk Maýr on Wikipedia »
Ladislav Fuks
Ladislav Fuks (September 24, 1923 Prague-August 19, 1994 Prague) was a Czech writer.
Fuks is known for his surreal and darkly psychological approach to literature, particularly evident in his most famous work, "The Cremator" (Purkrabík), which was published in 1967. The novel is a subtle commentary on the rise of totalitarianism in Nazi Germany and the Czechoslovakia of the 1930s and 40s, with a particular focus on the themes of innocence, guilt, complicity, and the seduction of power.
Fuks was also a prolific writer of short stories, which were often published in Czech literary journals such as Literární noviny and Host do domu. His other major works include "Mrchopěvci" (The Mrchopěvci Family, 1963) and "Pan Theodor Mundstock" (Theodore and the Hunger, 1974).
Throughout his career, Fuks was recognized as a significant voice in Czech literature, and in 1991 he was awarded the state literary award for lifetime achievement. His works continue to be studied and translated into other languages.
In addition to his achievements as a writer, Ladislav Fuks was also known for his work as a translator, particularly in translating German literature into Czech. He translated works by authors such as Franz Kafka, Thomas Mann, and Günter Grass, among others. Fuks also worked as a screenwriter and wrote several film scripts, including the adaptation of "The Cremator" which was released in 1969 and directed by Juraj Herz. Fuks' writing often explored themes of repression, trauma, and the human psyche, reflecting the tumultuous political and cultural landscape of Czechoslovakia in the 20th century. His legacy continues to inspire and captivate readers today.
In the early years of his life, Ladislav Fuks studied law and journalism, but his passion for literature eventually led him to pursue a career in writing. He worked as an editor for various magazines and newspapers, including the Communist Party newspaper Rudé právo, but he was dismissed from this job in 1957 due to ideological differences with the government.
After his dismissal, Fuks struggled to find work and support his family, and he was forced to take on odd jobs such as working in a factory and as a night watchman. However, he continued writing and publishing his works despite censorship and persecution from the government.
In addition to his literary work, Fuks was also an active participant in the cultural and intellectual life of Prague. He was involved in the Czechoslovak Writers' Union and was a member of the editorial board of the literary journal Květen.
Today, Ladislav Fuks is remembered as an important figure in Czech literature and as a writer who fearlessly confronted the dark and painful aspects of human experience. His works remain a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of totalitarianism and oppression.
Read more about Ladislav Fuks on Wikipedia »
Petr Hapka
Petr Hapka (May 13, 1944 Prague-November 25, 2014 Okoř) was a Czech film score composer, conductor and actor. He had seven children, Petra Hapková, Markéta Hapková, Kamila Hapková, Kašpar Hapka, Ferdinand Hapka, Haštal Hapka and Mikuláš Hapka.
His albums include V obrazech - Hudby z filmů II., V penzionu svět, Mohlo by tu být i líp, Citová investice, Strážce plamene, Štěstí je krásná věc 1987 - 2002, V obrazech II, and .
Read more about Petr Hapka on Wikipedia »