Zdeněk Fibich

Zdeněk Fibich, a prominent Czech composer of the 19th century, stands alongside Bedřich Smetana and Antonín Dvořák as a key figure in the second half of the century's Czech music scene. Unlike Dvořák, Fibich was a quintessential representative of musical Romanticism, infusing his works with deep emotion and passion. His personal life was as intriguing as his music; he married Růžena Hanušová, and after her untimely death, he married her older sister, the renowned Czech operatic alto singer Barbora (Betty). Together, they had a son named Richard, in honor of the celebrated composer Richard Wagner. Fibich's contributions to chamber music are particularly noteworthy, offering listeners a rich tapestry of romantic and expressive compositions that continue to captivate audiences today.