Otakar Jeremias

born: 1892-10-17
died: 1962-03-05
birthplace: Pisek
diedplace: Praha

Born in a choirmaster's family. His older brother Jaroslav became a composer as well. Otakar studied at a conservatory (Organ play and Theory and composition), later private studies of composition with Vitezslav Novak. In 1910-12 a violoncellist with Prague Philharmony. 1913-28 a teacher and the musical school in Budweis, after father's death in 1920 becoming a director. 1929-45 conductor of the Prague Radio Symphony Orchestra. In 1946-49 director of National Theatre Opera. J. works are known for their pathos, monumentality, inner logic and dynamics. Formally he remains within romantic genre, with little influence of modern music styles.

Work:

• Vocal works (melodrams, songs, choruses)
• Operas (Karamazov Brothers 1927, Enspigl 1949)
• Cantatas
• Film music

Samples: