Josef Suk

Josef Suk (January 4, 1874 – May 29, 1935) was a Czech composer and violinist. He studied under Antonín Dvo?ák, whose daughter he married.

Suk was born in K?e?ovice, Bohemia (now the Czech Republic). He began studying music at a young age, and by the time he was 11, he was a skilled violinist. He studied violin at the Prague Conservatory, where he was a student of Antonín Bennewitz. He also studied composition with Josef Bohuslav Foerster, Karel Knittl, and Karel Stecker.

In 1891, Suk joined the Bohemian Quartet, a string quartet that was one of the leading ensembles in Europe. He remained a member of the quartet until his death in 1935.

In 1898, Suk married Otilie Dvo?áková, the daughter of Antonín Dvo?ák. The couple had two children, Josef and Jaroslav.

Suk's early compositions were influenced by the music of Dvo?ák. However, he soon developed his own unique style, which was characterized by its use of folk music, nature imagery, and lyrical melodies.

Suk's best-known works include the Serenade for Strings (1892), the Asrael Symphony (1906), and the opera The Two Widows (1928). He also composed a number of chamber music works, songs, and incidental music.

Suk died in Benešov, Bohemia, in 1935. He was 61 years old.

Suk's music is still performed and enjoyed by audiences all over the world. He is considered one of the most important Czech composers of the 20th century.