Jaroslav Ježek

Jaroslav Ježek was a Czech composer, pianist, and conductor whose music remains one of the treasures of Czech culture. A graduate of the Prague Conservatory and a student of Josef Suk, he became famous for his collaboration with Voskovec and Werich at the Osvobozené Theatre, where he created timeless songs such as Blue World, The Ant and the Aesop, and David and Goliath. Ježek composed not only theatre music but also jazz and dance pieces, orchestral works, and chamber music. Critics call him the “Mozart of Czech jazz” and a “brilliant composer who united the avant-garde with popular music.” Although he died young, at only 35, his legacy lives on, from the Osvobozené Theatre to concert stages and contemporary theatre productions. Jaroslav Ježek remains a symbol of Czech modern music of the 20th century, with melodies still sung by audiences today.