Whilst most original instruments associated with Mozart now reside in Salzburg, owned by the International Mozarteum Foundation, other instruments on which he played are also of historical interest, not least because they offer an insight into his improvisational process at a particular point in his musical creativity. Some of these instruments were invariably cathedral or… Keep Reading
The piano is something I’m convinced almost anyone can pick up on. In fact, according to a survey by the ABRSM, over 34% of adults in the U.K currently play the piano. Why is this the case? Because as perhaps one of the simplest skills to pick up, it can open doors to an immense… Keep Reading
There is no doubting how important saints are to the Czech Republic. After all, a statue of one of them, Saint Wenceslas, occupies probably the most prominent location in the country at the top of the square that is named after him. The mounted statue of Saint Wenceslas has seen many of the key events… Keep Reading
Rice, Smith, Taylor, Bates, Latimer, Platt…seem unlikely names for Czech heroes. However, these were the pseudonyms used to hide the identities of Czechs who, 75 years ago, volunteered for ‘hazardous duties’ in one of the most clandestine units in the British Commandos: ‘X’ Troop, N°10 (Inter-Allied) Commando. Formed in July 1942, the Czechs became the… Keep Reading
Moving to a new city in a new country can be a disorientating experience, as anyone who has lived as an expat will know. For Australian Rachael Weiss, things were a little easier, at least regarding the practicalities: she had no need to look around for accommodation – perhaps the most stressful thing about setting… Keep Reading
Street art in Prague has an international influence. The Slovakian connection remains strong, as reaching Bratislava is a morning train away, but so are Berlin and Vienna, among other cities. Nor is Prague the only Czech star of street art. Other Czech cities like Brno and Olomouc shouldn’t be overlooked. Brno, for instance, had a… Keep Reading
Beer-themed venue with Krušovice on tap and water containing hops and yeast is popular with couples The Czech Republic could be described as the world’s beer capital, given that its citizens are the largest per capita consumers of the beverage anywhere on earth. And this does not include the amount consumed at beer spa’s in… Keep Reading
Sleigh Bells: femme-fatale vocals and stabbing synthesizer New York duo Sleigh Bells are like David Lynch at his most discordant. Dreamlike one minute and nightmarish the next, they craft melodious yet unsettling slabs of static-heavy electro-rock pitched somewhere between My Bloody Valentine and The Ronettes. Sleigh Bells’ codified beats and nods to ’60s pop sound… Keep Reading
Jaroslava Skleničková’s memoir of the Lidice massacre offers warmth amid tragedy It took Jaroslava Skleničková more than half a century to put her experiences following the Lidice massacre to paper, and yet what has emerged is not an embittered account of the hardships she endured but rather a heartwarming testimony to the strength of human… Keep Reading
Leader musicians term ‘puppet’ resigns under pressure After just four months, it’s once again time to fill the director’s position at the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra, following Václav Kasík’s resignation Aug. 31. Kasík, the former director of Czech Radio, was named – without a selection process – as head of the Philharmonic by former Culture Minster… Keep Reading
