Česká hudba v období Protektorátu a její centrální osobnost Vítězslav Novák

The real and not only Nazi propaganda proclaimed huge increase in concert and theatre life was used by the representatives of the Protectorate government as an argument for cultural and national autonomy. During the years of occupation, major musical events were held, such as the Prague Music May (1939), the Czech Music May (1940), the Jubilee Year of Antonín Dvořák (1941) and the Jubilee Year of Bedřich Smetana (1944). These large, organised events, primarily focused on the presentation of Czech music, also included the celebration of the 70th anniversary of Vítězslav Novák's birth in 1940. It was the work of this composer that had seen a surprising renaissance of interest during the difficult years of occupation compared to previous decades, as shown by the increased frequency of performances on concert stages, radio broadcasts and theatre stages. This paper explores the musical life of the Protectorate and highlights the central role played by the personality and work of Vítězslav Novák.