Janáček, Leoš << YAH nah `chehk,` LEH awsh >> (1854-1928), was a Czech composer best known for his operas and works for male chorus. Many of Janáček’s compositions reflect his interest in the folk music of Moravia, his native region. Much of his music features the powerful repetition of folk motifs (themes). Janáček’s operas show his fascination with the moods and rhythms of speech.
Janáček’s most popular opera is probably Jenufa (1904), a tragedy based on peasant life. The Cunning Little Vixen (1924) is a charming fable. His other notable operas include The Makropulos Affair (1926) and From the House of the Dead (1930).
Janáček’s choral compositions include The 70,000 (1909) for male choir. He also wrote works for solo piano and songs for solo voice as well as chamber music. He composed Sinfonietta (1926) for orchestra. Janáček’s church music includes the dramatic and joyous Glagolitic Mass (1926). Janáček was born on July 3, 1854, in Hukvaldy, a village near Ostrava. He died on Aug. 12, 1928.
