Josef Suk (1874–1935) was a Czech composer and violinist, known for his contributions to the late-Romantic music repertoire, and for being one of the leading composers of the Czech nationalist music movement. Born on January 4, 1874, in Křečovice, Bohemia, he was a student and later son-in-law of Antonín Dvořák, whose daughter Otilie he married.

Suk’s music is characterized by lush harmonies, passionate melodies, and a deep sense of lyricism influenced by his mentor Dvořák, as well as Johannes Brahms. His early works adhered to the Romantic tradition, but his later compositions, notably those written after the deaths of Dvořák and Otilie, took on a more complex, sometimes darker character, reflecting his personal tragedies.

One of Suk’s most renowned works is the “Asrael Symphony,” a large-scale orchestral piece that serves as a memorial to both his father-in-law Dvořák and his wife. The symphony is noted for its profound emotional depth and is considered Suk’s masterpiece, demonstrating his mastery of orchestration and thematic development.

Suk was also a founding member of the Czech Quartet, with whom he played as a second violinist for over 40 years, touring Europe and America. This experience greatly influenced his chamber music, which includes string quartets, a piano quintet, and a piano quartet, all of which are marked by a rich, intimate sound and the interplay of melodic lines.

Throughout his life, Suk was a respected teacher at the Prague Conservatory. His most famous pupil was Bohuslav Martinů, who would become one of the leading Czech composers of the following generation.

Josef Suk died on May 29, 1935, in Benešov, Czechoslovakia. Though he may not have achieved the same level of fame as his mentor Dvořák, Suk’s music remains an important and distinctive voice within the Czech musical tradition, celebrated for its emotional resonance and its lyrical beauty. His contributions to both symphonic and chamber music continue to be appreciated by audiences and performers around the world.