Jiří Pauer

Originally a teacher, Pauer found his way to composing only gradually.

He started studying composition privately with Otakar Šín, and in the years 1943–1946 he continued his studies under Alois Hába at the Prague Conservatory. After the Music Faculty of the Academy of Performing Arts was founded in 1946, he entered this school to study under Pavel Bořkovec. His compositional education was accomplished in 1950 by his Concerto for bassoon and orchestra. It was at the same time that he also finished his fairy tale opera The Blabbing Slug (Žvanivý slimejš).

These two works predetermined his future orientation as a composer. He is the author of twelve stage compositions, which makes him one of the most prolific composers of the genre within the context of Czech music of the 2nd half of the 20th century.

Jiří Pauer also wrote orchestral music, concertos, and chamber pieces for various solo instruments, taking a special liking to wind instruments. Apart from that, he also applied himself to composing community songs, choral pieces, and cantatas influenced by the aesthetics of social realism. Based upon loosely tonal foundations, his music is noted for its intelligibility and communicability.

Pauer’s outstanding organization skills enabled him to participate actively in the shaping of the Prague music life. After working for a short time in the Czech Radio and the Music Department of the Ministry of Education, he was appointed director of the opera section at the National Theatre in 1953. He was also an active member of the Union of Czechoslovak Composers and many other institutions.

From 1958 to 1980 he assumed the position of artistic director of the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra, and in 1979 he became the director of the National Theatre. From 1965 he taught composition at the Academy of Performing Arts where among his students belonged e.g. H. Bartoň, J. Gemrot, P. Jeřábek, or M. Kubička.

Titles for sale:
Characters for Brass Quintet
Suite for Four Saxophones
Wind Quintet

Titles for hire - see Complete catalogue