Zdenek Fibich (21.12.1850 – 15.10.1900) was a Czech composer of classical music. He composed two string quartets, a piano trio, piano quartet and a quintet for piano, strings and winds), symphonic poems, three symphonies, at least seven operas , melodramas , liturgical music including a mass and a large cycle (almost 400 pieces, from the 1890s) of piano works called Moods, Impressions, Reminiscences and much more.


He is far less known than Dvorak or Smetana - explained by the fact that he lived during the rise of Czech nationalism in the Habsburg Empire. Smetana and Dvorak gave themselves over to the national cause, consciously writing Czech music which the emerging nation strongly identified, Fibich’s position was more ambivalent.



To the world of brass bands his 1893 piece of chamber music 'Poem Op 41 No. 4' which he wrote for violin and piano is the one we know best. It is often described as 'wonderful and romantic'. This work is featured on today's show - enjoy.