Václav Talich

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Václav Talich IPA: [ˈva:tslaf ˈtalɪx] (May 28, 1883 - March 16, 1961) was a Czech conductor and violinist. Born in Kremsier, Austria-Hungary (now Kroměříž), he studied at the conservatory in Prague. For a short period he was the principal violinist of the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra. From 1919 to 1941 he became chief conductor of the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra, raising them to internationally respected levels and touring widely with them.

In 1935 he became chief opera administrator at the Czech National Theatre. He was forced to leave when it was closed by the Germans during World War II, took up the post again after the end of the war, was fired following disagreements with the government, took the post up again shortly thereafter, and was then fired once again after the Communist party took over the country. Subsequently, he became conductor of the newly formed Slovak Philharmonic Orchestra in Bratislava; and at least the Communists permitted him to record under his own name. Talich also taught a good deal, with Charles Mackerras among his pupils. He died in Beroun.

Particularly noted for his interpretations of Czech composers such as Antonín Dvořák, Bedřich Smetana and Josef Suk, Talich also did much to bring the operas of Leoš Janáček into the standard repertoire.

Preceded by
Vilém Zemánek
Principal Conductors, Czech Philharmonic Orchestra
1919–1931
Succeeded by
unknown
Preceded by
Georg Schnéevoigt
Principal Conductors, Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra
1926–1936
Succeeded by
Fritz Busch
Preceded by
Landon Ronald
Principal Conductor, Scottish Orchestra
1926–1927
Succeeded by
Vladimir Golschmann
Preceded by
unknown
Principal Conductors, Czech Philharmonic Orchestra
1933–1941
Succeeded by
Rafael Kubelík
Preceded by
none
Principal Conductors, Slovak Philharmonic Orchestra
1949–1952
Succeeded by
Ľudovít Rajter