Ostrčil, Otakar (1879–1935)

Czech conductor and composer. He studied at Prague University and became a professor of modern languages at the Commercial Academy there. He had already studied music, especially with Fibich. In 1909 he became conductor of an amateur orchestra, and in 1914 conductor at the Vinohrady Theatre. He succeeded Kovařovic as conductor of the National Theatre in 1920, when he gave the first performance of Janáček's The Excursions of Mr Brouček.

Works Stage music operas The Death of Vlasta, Kunala's Eyes (1908), The Bud, Legend of Erin (1921), and John's Kingdom (1934); incidental music for Jaroslav Kvapil's play The Orphan.

Vocal The Legend of St Zita for tenor, chorus, orchestra and organ (1913) and other choral works; songs.

Instrumental symphony in A major, sinfonietta (1921), two suites, symphonic poem The Tale of Semik, Rustic Festival and Impromptu for orchestra; Ballad of the Dead Cobbler and Czech Ballad for declamation and orchestra; string quartet in B major (1899), sonatina for violin, viola and piano.