Vítězslav Novák – Sheet Music & Scores

The Czech composer Vítězslav Novák (1870-1949), along with Josef Suk, is one of the most important Czech composers of the Classical Modern Period. Though the tutorage of Antonín Dvořák, he developed out of the popular late romantic style, and was one of the first Czech impressionists. Browse our sheet music and scores, and discover all his contrasting music today!

Musician, Philosopher

Vítězslav Novák’s musical talent showed at a young age. As a pianist and violinist, he performed many concerts during his high school years. After leaving school, he and his family moved to Prague, where, at the request of his mother, he studied philosophy at Charles University. His musical passion and ambition however never left him, and he also studied at the Prague Conservatory under Antonín Dvořák. Together with Josef Suk, he was one of Dvořák’s favourite students.

The Fateful Moravia

In 1896, Novák spent a summer in the Moravian region of Wallachia. The inspiration of the Moravian landscape and nature, its folk music, and its customs, form the most important elements of Novák’s music after 1900. The majestic beauty of the Slovak mountains was the passionate theme of Novák’s 1902 symphonic poem In der Tatras.

The Prague Conservatoire

From 1909 to 1941 Novák was Professor of Composition at the Prague Conservatoire. He quickly gained a reputation as an excellent teacher, and even turned down an offer from the Vienna University of Music. In 1945 he received the title of "National Artist".

The Work of Vítězslav Novák

Novák’s compositions mix three main influences, Romanticism, Impressionism and Folk Music. Novák wrote in a variety of musical forms, and produced many symphonies, piano pieces, vocal works and chamber music. His operas and his stage music are also very well respected.

More links for Vítězslav Novák

• Orchestral Music by V. Novák
• Piano Works by V. Novák
• Chamber Music by V. Novák