An Artist Must Never Lose Courage: Jan Novák and Bohuslav Martinů in the light of a correspondence (1947–1959) (Pavel Žůrek, Martin Flašar)

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The publication by Pavel Žůrek (Martinů Institute) and Martin Flašar (Masaryk University) discusses details of Bohuslav Martinů's relationship with his pupil and composer Jan Novák in the years 1947–1959. The book brings an edition of a set of letters from Martinů to Novák and also Jan Novák's correspondence about Martinů and vice versa. The interpretation of the newly acquired documents reveals a rich network of facts, events, and contacts that reconstruct the framework of contemporary music culture. They also define the role of Jan Novák and his wife Eliška in promoting Martinů's music in the 1950s in Czechoslovakia at a time when Martinů was facing politically engaged criticism. The monograph also points out parallels in the life and work of both composers, whether it is emigration, Europeanism, humanism or the relationship to folk music and theater. The book, which is published on the 100th anniversary of Jan Novák's birth, seeks to contribute to a deeper understanding and appreciation of the work of this composer, who was sentenced to compulsory collective amnesia due to his emigration. Brno: Masarykova universita 2021, 423 pages. Bilingual book in Czech and English.

The book can be purchased at https://munishop.muni.cz/obchod/knihy/umelec-nesmi-nikdy-ztratit-odvahu-00002019890