Karel Husa

Listening Guide. Prague Bells. Karel Husa (1921-2016), Music for Prague 1968 (1969), II. Aria.

The “Aria” from Music for Prague 1968 by Czech-born American composer Husa (previously professor at Cornell) commemorates the Soviet quashing of the Prague Spring. Bell-like percussion strikes are sounded on every beat, symbolizing the famous church bells of Prague, while an ominous melody on low brass works its way to the climax in high register when the higher winds crowd into the soundscape.