Julius Fučík

Julius Fucik holds a position in Czech musical culture that is an amalgamation of Johann Strauss II's reputation in Austria and John Philip Sousa's in America. From 1885 to 1891 he studied violin and bassoon at the Prague Conservatory, and took composition lessons from Dvorák. Upon graduation he played bassoon for three years in the band of the 49th Austro-Hungarian Regiment, under famed band conductor/composer J.F. Wagner. His fondness for his instrument later led to substantial bassoon solos in some compositions, notably the character piece The Old Grumbler. After that ini...