Josef Rut

A composer and significant music theoretician, Rut studied violin at the Prague Conservatory with Bedřich Voldan at first. He finished these studies in 1951, and in 1950 he also graduated in the field of choir conducting that he had studied under Bohumír Špidra.

He started his private composition training under Jaroslav Řídký (1952– 1954), and continued under Emil Hradecký, who introduced Rut into the field of music theory. Rut’s interest in theoretical problems of contemporary composition resulted in several scientific treatises and publications, e.g. Twelve-tone Tonal Theory (Dvanáctitónová tonální teorie – Supraphon 1969); A New Physical Theory of Music (Nová fyzikální teorie hudby – Opus musicum 1976); The Theory of Relativity and Musical Thought (Teorie relativity a hudební myšlení – Panton 1990).

In cooperation with J. Dostál he wrote A Manual of Rhythm from A to Z (Cvičebnice rytmu od A do Z – Supraphon 1979 and 1984). In the years 1953–1983 he was a violinist with the Czechoslovak Radio Symphony Orchestra and between 1954 and 1957 also in the Prague Chamber Orchestra without Conductor. His compositions are based on his theoretical findings, i.e. on the major-minor and twelve-tone systems. His output comprises chamber, vocal, and orchestral music, including eight instrumental concertos and four symphonies. He frequently used string instruments in his compositions.

Rut’s Symphony No. 2 (1975) was dedicated to the Czechoslovak Radio Symphony Orchestra on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the ensemble. The orchestra recorded the piece two years later.

Titles for sale:
Symphony No. 4 for strings

Titles for hire - see Complete catalogue