Karel Husa and the Reception of his Work in the Czech Lands after 1989

Karel Husa (1921-2016) is an internationally-acclaimed composer. The relationship of the Czech musical public to Husa was marked by his decision not to return to his homeland in 1948 for political reasons. He remained a persona non grata until 1989. Research into the performance and reception of Husa's work in the Czech Republic over the past thirty years has shown that Husa's orchestral, chamber and solo compositions were played by top artists and nearly all orchestral ensembles. In addition to the most popular Music for Prague 1968, the Czech concert audience have been introduced to a sample representing all the phases of the composer's career. Although Husa's work has been enjoying a growing popularity, it has yet to become a staple of concert programs.