Eugen Suchon (1908-1993) - the Founder Personality of Slovak National Music

Abstract

Eugen Suchon (1908 to 1993) belongs to the generation of Slovak musical modernism and to the founders of Slovak national music. He studies at the Academy of Music and Arts in Bratislava and in the years 1931 to 33 he studied the composition at Master’s class of Prague Conservatoire under vítezslav Novak. By the detailed study of Slovak folklore he reached particular composer’s style, which is represented by his own modal feeling. Suchon is considered one of the most significant representative of modal thinking in European music of 20th century, and his compositions were influenced by dodecaphony. He created the first Slovak national opera Whrilpool, which is abroad presented Katrena, according to the main character. the core of his creation is piano and symphonic music, and the significant phenomenon is the fact that almost all his piano works were orchestrated by him later. He is the author of 6-part cycle of piano compositions for children and youth Pictures from Slovakia that was orchestrated for various orchestras, from violin trios to symphonic orchestra. Eugen Suchon in a significant way contributed to the development of Slovak and European music.