Hans Krasa Czech composer Date of Birth: 30.11.1899

1. Early Life and Education
2. Meeting Influential Musicians
3. Compositional Debut and Early Works
4. Terezin and Artistic Activism
5. Tragic Fate and Legacy

Early Life and Education

Hans Krása was born into a blended family in Prague, Czechoslovakia. His father was Czech, while his mother was Jewish. Krása's musical aptitude emerged at a young age, and he received formal training in piano, violin, and composition at the German Music Academy in Prague.

Meeting Influential Musicians

While working at the Prague National Opera, Krása encountered Alexander von Zemlinsky, who became a significant mentor. In 1927, he followed Zemlinsky to Berlin, where he studied with Albert Roussel. Krása traveled to Paris on multiple occasions to seek Roussel's guidance.

Compositional Debut and Early Works

Krása's compositional debut came in 1920 with his "Four Songs for Orchestra," based on poems by Christian Morgenstern. He later wrote a children's opera titled "Brundibár" in 1938.

Terezin and Artistic Activism

In 1942, Krása was arrested and imprisoned in the Terezin ghetto. During his time there, he remained creatively active and revised "Brundibár," which received 55 performances in Terezin. Much of the music he composed in Terezin was later lost.

Tragic Fate and Legacy

In October 1944, Krása was deported to Auschwitz and perished there. In recent decades, his works have been rediscovered and performed. Krása's children's opera, "Brundibár," has become particularly popular, translated into several European languages and performed worldwide.