Musical Map of Prague

1 The Beethoven Sycamore - In the garden of the convent of the Order of the
Knights of Malta, hidden from public view behind the „Lennon Wall“, grows what is
allegedly the largest sycamore in Prague, sometimes also called Beethoven‘s sycamore. According to legend, the composer loved sitting under it during his visit to
Prague. (B3)
2 John Lennon Wall - Undoubtedly the most famous wall in Prague‘s Kampa
district, supporters of the hippie movement covered it with graffiti featuring romantic
poetry, philosophical texts and images. After the death of John Lennon, it became
a means of expressing dissatisfaction with the communist regime. (B3)
3 Singing Fountain - This 16th century Renaissance fountain stands in the Royal
Garden at Prague Castle. Streams of water flowing from the fountain strike bell-metal, producing a lovely rhythmic sound. (B3)
4 Statue of Antonín Dvořák - This statue was unveiled at the end of the Prague
Spring Festival in 2000. It is located in front of the Rudolfinum on Jan Palach Square
(náměstí Jana Palacha). (B3)
5 Hotel Aria, Tržiště 9, Prague 1, www.ariahotel.net - Unique music-inspired hotel
in the picturesque Lesser Quarter where each floor is dedicated to a different musical
genre. (A3)
6 The film Amadeus - The eight-time Oscar-winning film by Miloš Forman in 1984
was largely filmed in the streets and interiors of Prague, such as the Estates Theatre.
(C3)
7 Bertramka, Mozartova 169, Prague 5 - The owners of this Baroque manor, Mr and
Mrs Dušek, were good friends of Mozart, who often stayed here, and in 1787 finished
his opera Don Giovanni here. It is said that Josefina Dušek locked him in the garden
pavilion before his return to Vienna until he had written the aria Bella mia fiamma,
addio! for her. (A4)
8 Loretta Carillon - The unique Loretta carillon from the late 17th century is one of
the last surviving instruments of this type. (A3)
9 Sigismund Bell - The largest Czech bell, cast in 1549, is located at the Cathedral
of St. Vitus, St. Václav and St. Vojtěch at Prague Castle. (A3)
10 Prague Pipe Organs - The largest pipe organ in Prague is located in the Basilica
of St. James, and the oldest in the Church of Our Lady before Týn. Both are the work
of organ maker H. H. Mundt and were completed in 1673. (C3 - B3)
2
Zdeněk Fibich (1850 Všebořice u Čáslavi - 1900 Prague)
Author of operas, piano cycles, melodramas and symphonies, he served as opera
dramatic advisor of the National Theatre in Prague. He is world famous for his song
Poem, which is part of the symphonic poem V podvečer (At Twilight).
Leoš Janáček (1854 Hukvaldy - 1928 Ostrava)
One of the most respected Czech composers, composer of several operas, of which
Její pastorkyňa (Her Step-Daughter, commonly known as Jenufa) has become world-famous. Conductor, organist and composer, inspired by Moravian folk songs, whose
themes are reflected in his work.
Jaroslav Ježek (1906 Prague - 1942 New York)
Czech composer and pianist, author of the famous track “Bugatti Step”. His jazz
songs and dances for the Voskovec and Werich revue plays, performed in the
Liberated Theatre, are famous and still played today. He died prematurely in exile in
America.
Hans Krása (1899 Prague - 1944 Auschwitz)
German Jewish songwriter and native of Prague, a student of Alexander Zemlinský,
and opera and vocal accompanist for the German Theatre in Prague. In 1942 he was
deported to the Terezín concentration camp, where he organized cultural events and
wrote the children‘s opera Brundibár. At the end of 1944, he was transported from
Terezín to Auschwitz, from which he never returned.
4
Clam-Gallas Palace, Husova 20, Prague 1
Christian Filip Clam-Gallas (1748-1805) started a famous musical tradition when he
invited Mozart and his wife Konstanz to the palace in 1787. Mozart is said to have
played the piano in the palace, as did Ludwig van Beethoven a few years later in 1798
when he met his platonic love Josefina Clary-Aldringen. (B3)
6
U Zlatého jednorožce (Inn at the Golden Unicorn), „Beethoven’s Palace“,
Lázeňská 11, Prague 1
In 1796, Ludwig van Beethoven stayed in this Baroque hotel, a Prague favorite during
the 18th century. (B3)
Dům U Tří zlatých lvů (House at the Three Golden Lions), Uhelný trh 1, Prague 1
Mozart stayed in this house during his second visit to Prague in 1787 in order to compose the opera Don Giovanni, whose premier was to be held in the nearby Estates
(Nostic) Theater. He reportedly worked with librettist Lorenzo da Ponte, who lived
across the street, through an open window. (B3)
7
8
Dům U Medvídků (At the Bears), Na Perštýně 7, Prague 1
During the 19th century, Czech musicians gathered at this local pub. Antonín Dvořák
brought Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky here in 1888. After his visit, Tchaikovsky wrote in his
diary “These Czechs - they‘re so eminently likeable!”. (B4)
Strahov Monastery and Basilica of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary,
Strahovské nádvoří 1, Prague 1
In 1787, Mozart visited Strahov Monastery, one of the oldest Premonstratensian
monasteries in the world, founded in the 12th century, accompanied by singer
Josefina Dušek. In the monastery Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, he
admired the organ, on which he also played. (A3)
9
10
Clementinium - Mirror Chapel, Mariánské náměstí 5, Prague 1, T: +420 222 220 879,
www.klementinum.com
Baroque chapel featuring two unique organs; jazz and classical music concerts are
held here. (B3)
Roxy, Dlouhá 33, Prague 1, T: +420 603 304 365, www.roxy.cz
Live concerts and dance parties in this renowned Prague club. (C3)
Museums and monuments
Rudolfinum - Dvořák Hall, Alšovo nábřeží 12, Prague 1, T: +420 227 059 352
World-famous concert hall and home of the Czech Philharmonic, which performed
here for the first time in 1896 under the baton of Antonín Dvořák. (B3)
Dům U Tří housliček (House at the Three Fiddles), Nerudova 12, Prague 1
It‘s no coincidence that this house in Neruda street bears this house sign - from 1667
to 1748, it belonged successively to three major violinmaking families, the most
famous of which was Thomas Edlinger, whose instruments are masterpieces of
extraordinary artistic value. (A3)
Church of St. Nicholas, Malostranské náměstí, Prague 1
The church houses a unique organ built from 1745 - 1746. It was certainly played
during the requiem Mass for Mozart. (A3-B3)
SaSaZu, Bubenské nábřeží 13, Prague 7, T: +420 284 097 444, www.sasazu.com
One of the biggest clubs in Prague. (D2)
Lucerna - Great Hall, Štěpánská 61, Prague 1, T: +420 296 333 333, www.lucpra.com
Legendary concert hall and ballroom. (C4)
Concert Halls
Czech Museum of Music, Karmelitská 2, Prague 1, T: +420 257 257 777, www.nm.cz
In the former Church of St. Mary Magdalene you can explore the collection of 400
historical musical instruments, including a fortepiano on which Mozart allegedly
played. (B3)
Antonín Dvořák Museum, Ke Karlovu 20, Prague 2, T: +420 224 923 363, www.nm.cz
This permanent exhibition in a Baroque summer palace documents the life and work
of the famous composer. (C4)
Bertramka, Mozartova 169, Prague 5, T: +420 241 493 547, www.bertramka.eu
This estate from the second half of the 17th century was Mozart‘s residence during
his visits to Prague. (A4)
Bedřich Smetana Museum, Novotného lávka 1, Prague 1, T: +420 222 220 082,
www.nm.cz
This building once served as a water tower. Today it is a museum documenting
Smetana‘s life and work. (B3)
Lobkowicz Palace, Jiřská 3, Prague 1, T: +420 233 312 925, www.lobkowicz.cz
This exhibition presents part of the music collection of the Lobkowicz family, including Beethoven‘s manuscripts. (A3)
Sights
5
Vyšehrad Cemetery and Slavín
Vyšehrad Cemetery is undoubtedly the most important national burial ground. It
is the final resting place for more than 600 figures of culture and science. Notable
musical personalities buried here include Bedřich Smetana, Antonín Dvořák and
Zdeněk Fibich. Ema Destinnová, Jan Kubelík and Rafael Kubelík are interred in the
monumental tomb Slavín. (B5)
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756 Salzburg - 1791 Vienna)
Arguably the most famous composer of all time and a brilliant pianist who composed
from early childhood. Author of operas, symphonies and chamber music, he visited
Prague a number times. It was here that two of his best-known operas premiered:
Don Giovanni (1787) and La Clemenza di Tito (1791).
Bedřich Smetana (1824 Litomyšl - 1884 Prague)
Smetana is the second most famous Czech composer after Antonín Dvořák. He wrote
his most important works after going deaf. He composed the world-renowned symphonic cycle Má vlast (My Country) and the opera The Bartered Bride, and was active
participant in the creation of the Czech national identity.
Rock Café, Národní 20, Prague 1, T: +420 224 933 947, www.rockcafe.cz
Prague‘s iconic club to support young musicians. (B4)
Reduta, Národní 20, Prague 1, T: +420 224 933 487, www.redutajazzclub.cz
The oldest jazz club in Prague and one of the centres of the Velvet Revolution. (B4)
PopMuseum, Bělohorská 150, Prague 6, T: +420 776 141 531, www.popmuseum.cz
Museum and archive of Czech and Slovak pop music.
Karel Reiner (1910 Žatec - 1979 Prague)
Jewish composer and pianist. Exiled during World War II to Terezín, where he actively
participated in the cultural life in the ghetto. Composer of a wide range of compositions; he survived several concentration camps and a death march.
Spanish Hall of Prague Castle (second courtyard), Prague 1, T: +420 224 371 111,
www.hrad.cz
The largest ceremonial hall at Prague Castle, the venue for important ceremonies
and concerts. (A3)
Palác Akropolis, Kubelíkova 27, Prague 3, T: +420 296 330 913,
www.palacakropolis.cz
Legendary Žižkov club and alternative art centre. (D4)
Clam-Gallas Palace, Husova 20, Prague 1, T: +420 236 001 111, www.ahmp.cz
This Baroque jewel is a premium location for events and concerts. (B3)
Bohuslav Martinů (1890 Polička - 1959 Liestal)
World-renowned Czech composer, influenced by impressionism and jazz. After his
studies at the Prague Conservatory, he worked as a violinist in the Czech Philharmonic. His works include the opera Julietta, The Greek Passion, the ballet Špalíček (The
Chap-Book) and the cycle The Opening of the Springs from 1955.
Alexander Zemlinský (1871 Vienna - 1942 New York)
Austrian Jewish composer and conductor who spent several years as the head of the
New German Theatre (State Opera) in Prague and was a guest conductor of the Czech
Philharmonic. He composed a number of operas, string quartets and other chamber
music. In 1938 he emigrated to the USA to escape the Nazis.
3
Loreto, Loretánské náměstí 7, Prague 1
This church features a unique carillon. In addition, its organ is one of the most valuable monuments of Baroque organmaking. Its special features are its broken octave
and its bellows located outside the church. (A3)
Concert halls
Title: Musical Map of Prague
Text and photos: © Pražská informační služba – Prague City Tourism,
Arbesovo náměstí 70/4 / Praha 5 / 150 00 / CZ
www.prague.eu
Antonín Dvořák (1841 Nelahozeves - 1904 Prague)
One of the most respected and most played personalities in the world of Czech composers. He composed symphonies, instrumental compositions and operas. His career
took on a new dimension when he became director of the U.S. National Conservatory
in New York in 1892. Dvořák‘s New World Symphony was the first music that American astronauts heard after landing on the moon in 1969.
Things to do
1
Ema Destinnová (1878 Prague - 1930 České Budějovice)
World-famous Czech opera singer who celebrated considerable success as the star
of the Berlin State Opera and London‘s Covent Garden. In New York‘s Metropolitan
Opera she shone alongside Enrico Caruso as his singing partner.
Church of Sts. Simon and Jude, U Milosrdných 1, Prague 1
The church is famous for its Baroque music concerts and its well-preserved masterpiece organs that, according to legend, both Mozart and Joseph Haydn played,
a distinction which saved their pipes from confiscation for the war in 1917. (B3)
Map data: Žaket
Graphic design: Dynamo design s.r.o.
Typesetting and printing: Princo International, spol. s r.o.
Also try our interactive musical map of Prague on www.musicinprague.com.
Vignettes (CVs)
Prague 2013
Total copies printed: 210,000
First edition
Not for sale
Prague and music are closely intertwined. On our site you’ll find everything you
might be interested in about music and Prague - personalities, monuments, festivals
and attractions. Be inspired and listen while browsing through Prague...
Jaroslav Ježek Memorial (The Blue Room), Kaprova 10, Prague 1, www.nm.cz
The composer‘s room with an exceptionally well-preserved interior. (B3)
Municipal House - Smetana Hall, náměstí Republiky 5, Prague 1, T: +420 222 002 101,
www.obecnidum.cz
This famous Art Nouveau music hall is the traditional site of the opening concert of
the Prague Spring music festival. (C3)
Liechtenstein Palace - Martinů Hall, Malostranské náměstí 13, Prague 1,
T: +420 257 534 206
Concert hall in a historic palace in the Lesser Quarter. (A3)
Žofín - Great Hall, Slovanský ostrov 226, Prague 1, T: +420 222 924 112
A neo-Renaissance palace with a major concert hall and ballroom. (B4)
Státní opera (State Opera House), Wilsonova 4, Prague 1, T: +420 224 901 448,
www.narodni-divadlo.cz
Prague‘s leading opera house. (C4)
Stavovské divadlo (Estates Theatre), Ovocný trh 1, Prague 1, T: +420 224 901 448,
www.narodni-divadlo.cz
Historically significant building and venue for the premiere of Mozart‘s Don Giovanni.
(C3)
Bontonland, Wenceslas Square 1, Prague 1, T: +420 224 473 080, www.bontonland.cz
The largest music, film and accessories store in Prague. (C3)
Karlín Musical Theatre, Křižíkova 10, Prague 8, T: +420 221 868 666, www.hdk.cz
Major Czech music theatre venue. (C3)
Via Musica, Old Town Square 14, Prague 1, T: +420 224 826 440,
www.pragueticketoffice.com
Large selection of classical music and jazz. (B3)
Temples, churches and synagogues
Talacko Music Shop, Rybná 29, Prague 1, T: +420 224 813 039, www.talacko.cz
Large selection of music literature and musical scores. (C3)
Tipsport Arena, Za Elektrárnou 419, Prague 7, T: +420 266 727 443,
www.tipsportarena-praha.cz
Multifunctional hall from 1962 for 14,000 spectators. (C2)
Festivals
Theatres
Shopping - sheet music, instruments, and recordings
Petrof Piano Salon, Jungmannovo náměstí 17, Prague 1, T: +420 224 222 501,
www.petrof-pianosalon.cz
Petrof brand shop selling upright and grand pianos. (C4)
Synot Tip Arena, U Slavie 2a, Prague 10, T: +420 272 118 100, www.synottiparena.cz
Brand-new multi-functional stadium with 21,000 seats.
Babel Prague, www.babelprague.cz
International experimental music festival.
Národní divadlo (National Theatre), Národní 2, Prague 1, T: +420 224 901 448,
www.narodni-divadlo.cz
Neo-Renaissance building built with funds collected nationwide from 1868 to 1881.
(B4)
Musical Instruments U Zlatého kohouta, Michalská 3, Prague 1, T: +420 224 212 874,
www.violin-hron.cz
Family-owned store selling stringed instruments. (B3)
O2 Arena, Českomoravská 17, Prague 9, T: +420 266 771 000, www.o2arena.cz
One of the most modern multipurpose halls in Europe with a capacity of 18,000
spectators.
Basilica of St. James, Malá Štupartská 6, Prague 1
This minor basilica has the largest organ in Prague and organizes the annual International Organ Festival. (C3)
Basilica of St. George, Prague Castle, Prague 1
The second oldest church in Prague presents concerts of classical and sacred music.
(A3)
St. Nicholas Cathedral, Old Town Square, Prague 1
This Baroque church in the heart of Old Town presents concerts of classical music.
(B3)
Music Bridge Prague-Dresden, concert cycle between the cities, www.collegium1704.com
Collegium 1704 orchestra and choir project connects Prague‘s musical life with
Dresden‘s.
Summer Festivities of Early Music, www.letnislavnosti.cz
International music festival in period costumes with historical instruments and top
performers.
Prague Spring, www.festival.cz
The most important international festival of classical music, held in Prague, which
includes performances by the world‘s top orchestras and artists. Traditionally it
starts with a performance of Smetana‘s Má vlast.
Stimul Festival, www.stimul-festival.cz
Club festival featuring less well-known musical styles.
Strings of Autumn, www.strunypodzimu.cz
This highlight of the autumn music season presents a selection of jazz, classical and
world music.
United Islands, www.unitedislands.cz
This multi-genre open-air festival usually takes place on Prague‘s islands.
Opera Barocca, www.operabarocca.cz
This project presents works of baroque music, theater and dance.
Dvořák Prague, www.dvorakovapraha.cz
International music festival dedicated to the work of Antonín Dvořák.
Prague Proms, www.pragueproms.cz
International music festival inspired by the BBC Proms.
Music Schools
Ensembles
Church of St. Francis of Assisi, Křižovnické náměstí 3, Prague 1
The monastery church of the Knights of the Cross with the Red Star offers unique
organs and organ concerts. (B3)
Academy of Performing Arts (AMU), Faculty of Music (HAMU), Malostranské náměstí
13, Prague 1, T: +420 234 244 111, www.hamu.cz (A3)
Czech Philharmonic Orchestra, www.ceskafilharmonie.cz
World famous and most famous Czech symphony orchestra founded in 1896.
Church of St. Giles, Husova, Prague 1
The Baroque church of the Dominicans presents concerts of sacred music. (B3)
Prague Conservatory, Na Rejdišti 1, Prague 1, T: +420 222 327 206, www.prgcons.cz
(B3)
Czech National Symphony Orchestra, www.cnso.cz
One of the leading Czech orchestras, attracting the attention of global music and film
producers.
Church of Sts. Simon and Jude, Dušní, Prague 1
Baroque church used mainly by the Prague Symphony Orchestra. (B3)
Jaroslav Ježek Conservatory, Roškotova 4, Prague 4, T: +420 241 046 918, www.kjj.cz
The Spanish Synagogue, Vězeňská, Prague 1
Part of the permanent exhibition of the Jewish Museum with occasional concerts. (B3)
Guided tours
Collegium Marianum, www.collegiummarianum.cz
This group focuses on reproducing music by 17th and 18th century composers and
holds Baroque Evenings with an emphasis on the close connection of music with
historical areas of Prague.
Ondřej Havelka and his Melody Makers, www.melodymakers.cz
Authentic period music show presenting early and high swing music of the 1930s and
40s.
The Prague Philharmonia, www.pkf.cz
Chamber music ensemble founded on the initiative of the world-renowned conductor
Jiří Bělohlávek.
Prague Chamber Orchestra, www.pko.cz
This musical ensemble flourishes without a director and with a different quality of
orchestral unity, in which musicians take the initiative themselves.
Schola Gregoriana Pragensis, www.gregoriana.cz
The group is one of the world‘s leading interpreters of medieval sacred music, especially the Gregorian chant.
Prague Symphony Orchestra, www.fok.cz
Musical ensemble of the capital city, founded in 1934.
Clubs
Prague Information Service – Prague City Tourism offers themed educational walks
on which visitors can trace the footsteps of famous composers and get to know
musical Prague with a trained guide.
Agharta Jazz Centrum, Železná 16, Prague 1, T: +420 222 211 275, www.agharta.cz
Modern jazz concerts in a historic 14th century cellar. (B3)
Musical Prague
Cross Club, Plynární 23, Prague 7, T: +420 736 535 010, www.crossclub.cz
Alternative Prague club with a unique, futuristic themed interior. (C2)
U Malého Glena, Karmelitská 23, Prague 1, T: +420 257 531 717, www.malyglen.cz
Daily jazz and blues concerts in the heart of the picturesque Lesser Quarter. (B3)
Jazzboat Kotva, Čechův most, dock 5, T: +420 734 141 554, www.jazzboat.cz
Swing, blues and jazz on a floating stage. (B3)
This walking tour of musical Prague shows you where world-class operas and concert
works were born. You’ll follow in the steps of Antonín Dvořák, Wolfgang Amadeus
Mozart, Bedřich Smetana and other famous musicians to the John Lennon Wall.
Individual tours with a trained guide can be booked in the Prague Information
Service – Prague City Tourism e-shop, or in the guide dispatching centre in the Old
Town Hall building.
Guide dispatcher: +420 236 002 569, +420 236 002 562, [email protected] and
www.eshop.prague.eu
Jazz Dock, Janáčkovo nábřeží 2, Prague 5, T: +420 774 058 838, www.jazzdock.cz
One of the most popular jazz clubs in the city. (B4)
Ticket sales
Lucerna Music Bar, Vodičkova 36, Prague 1, T: +420 224 217 108, www.musicbar.cz
Music bar with a long tradition of weekend 80s and 90s parties. (C4)
Karlovy lázně, Smetanovo nábřeží 198/1, Prague 1, T: +420 222 220 502,
www.karlovylazne.cz
The biggest music club in Central Europe. (B3)
Klub 007 Strahov, Chaloupeckého 7, Prague 6, T: +420 775 260 072,
www.klub007strahov.cz
Traditional student club with a punk tradition. (A4)
Online: www.ticketpro.cz, www.sazkaticket.cz, www.ticketportal.cz,
www.ticketart.cz, www.bohemiaticket.cz, www.ticketstream.cz
In person: Tourist Information Centres: Old Town Hall, Rytířská 31, Václav Havel
Airport Prague and Lesser Town Bridge Tower (April - October)
THE MAP
Musical Map
of Prague
People, places, stories
A
B
10
C
LEGEND
6
Radlická
D
D
Národní
třída
Karlovo
náměstí
Střížkov
C
Prosek
Church
Synagogue
3
4
5
Statue/Monument
Post Office
Metro
Wharf
Funicular
Rajská
zahrada
B
Černý
Vysočanská Hloubětín most
Letňany
Palmovka
A
Depo
Hostivař
C Háje
Skalka
Hlavní nádraží BUS
Muzeum
Náměstí
Flora Želivského
Míru
Chodov
Roztyly
Opatov
Jiřího
I. P.
z Poděbrad
Pavlova
Strašnická
Kačerov
Budějovická
Pražského
povstání
Pankrác
Vyšehrad
Křižíkova
ČeskoKolbenova
moravská
Florenc Invalidovna
Kobylisy
Vltavská
Nádraží Holešovice
Dejvická Hradčanská
BUS
1) Beethoven Sycamore
2) John Lennon Wall
3) Singing Fountain
4) Statue of Antonín Dvořák
5) Hotel Aria
6) Film Amadeus
7) Bertramka
8) Loreta Carillon
9) Sigismund Bell
10) Prague Organ
METRO
Letiště
Václava Havla
Nádraží
Veleslavín
Petřiny
BUS
Nové
Butovice
Smíchovské
nádraží
Jinonice
Anděl
A
Náměstí
Bořislavka
Republiky
Malostranská
Staroměstská
Můstek
Lužiny
Hůrka
Nemocnice
Motol
Luka
Stodůlky
BUS
B
Zličín
Ládví
1
3
4
10
6
1
9
5
1 2
C
2
8
7
B
2
3
4
5
6
A