Václav Nelhýbel (September 24, 1919 – March 22, 1996) was a prominent Czech-American composer and conductor best known for his energetic, rhythmically driven works for symphonic band, wind ensemble. Though he wrote across numerous classical genres—including three ballets, three operas, a symphony, and sacred choral pieces—his profoundest impact was in American music education. He wrote hundreds of works tailored specifically for high school and university wind bands, raising the standard of pedagogical wind literature.
Born in Polanka nad Odrou, Czechoslovakia, Nelhýbel first studied composition and conducting at the Prague Conservatory of Music and musicology at Charles University and the University of Fribourg in Switzerland. As a young prodigy, conducted the Czech Philharmonic as an 18-year-old assistant to Rafael Kubelík. After World War II, he worked with Swiss National Radio and lectured in Fribourg. From 1950 to 1957, he served as the first musical director of Radio Free Europe in Munich, Germany, helping establish its broadcast presence.Immigration to the United StatesNelhýbel emigrated to the United States in 1957 and became a U.S. citizen in 1962. He lived for many years in New York City and later in Connecticut, before moving to Pennsylvania, where he served as composer-in-residence at the University of Scranton until his death.
Over the years he would be a frequent visitor to Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp, with which he shared a long and rich history as an influential and inspiring presence, leaving an indelible mark on generations of young musicians. Throughout the camp's history, Nelhýbel frequently served as a guest conductor and worked closely with both the student symphonic bands as well as the camp's adult ensembles. Camp alumni still recall his legendary presence on the podium, widely recalling Nelhýbel as an imposing, intensely passionate, larger-than-life figure. Known for his booming voice, sharp Czech accent, and a conducting style that demanded maximum expression, he frequently pushed campers to look past the notes and play "straight from the heart." It remains a badge of honor among many older Blue Lake alumni to have had Nelhýbel stop a rehearsal or sneak up behind your section to energetically yell at them to "play louder!"
On Thursday afternoon's Classical Music With Foley Schuler, we'll celebrate the life and legacy of Václav Nelhýbel as we enjoy several of his best known compostions, and will also hear music of his earlier Czech countryman—the "Father of Czech Music," Bedrich Smetana—whose epic cycle of tone poems Ma Vlast ("My Country") will serve as our musical centerpiece.
You can hear Foley Schuler's musical selections—and stories behind the music—every weekday afternoon from 1 until 4 on Blue Lake Public Radio.
