Petr Eben – Sheet Music & Scores

Petr Eben (1929 - 2007) is one of the most internationally renowned Czech composers of modern classical music. His works are interwoven with deep Christian feelings, while many also explore vivid philosophical ideas. Browse our sheet music and scores, and let yourself be carried away into the spiritual world of Peter Eben with Stretta Music today!

The struggle against totalitarian regimes

Despite being brought up in a seemingly Catholic family, Petr Eben suffered unexpectedly under the National Socialists, when he and his brother were expelled from Český Krumlov High School in 1943, due to their father’s hidden Jewish ancestry. He and his entire family were subsequently sent to Buchenwald concentration camp, which they fortunately all survived, and were able to return home after the war.

Despite his heritage, Petr Eben was allowed to teach music at Charles University in Prague under the communist regime. From 1977 to 1978, he was professor of composition at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester. After the revolution in 1990, he became professor of composition at the Prague Academy of Performing Arts, and he received honorary doctorates from Prague and Manchester.

The master of organ improvisation

Since the 1960s, Eben was famous for his expressive, virtuosic organ improvisations. He would freely prelude texts from the Bible, and his improvisations were inspired by Gregorian Chant, and various texts in programmes composed of music and words. In his later years, he was a lecturer for many organ improvisation courses.

The works of Petr Eben

Petr Eben’s work encompasses a wide range of genres and styles, but his main focus was on Choral Music, Sacred Music and Organ Works. He considered his sacred opera “Jeremias”, based on a drama by Stefan Zweig, as the high point of his compositional career. Petr Eben also composed many beautiful pieces for children, especially for children’s choirs and piano.

A few links to more of Petr Eben’s works

• Organ Music by P.Eben
• Piano Works by P.Eben
• Choral Music by P.Eben
• Chamber Music by P.Eben