Jan Novotný: Pianist Dies After Recording Smetana’s Complete Works
- Acclaimed pianist Jan Novotný died on Monday in Prague at teh age of 90,as reported by his wife,Zuzana Novotná.
- He began his musical education at the Prague conservatory, studying with Václav Holzknecht and Antonín Resler.
- Novotný was a prominent interpreter of piano music in the latter half of the 20th century, with a particular focus on the works of Bedřich Smetana.From 1961, he...
Jan Novotný,Celebrated Czech Pianist,Dies at 90
Table of Contents
Updated December 29,2025,22:28:00 UTC
Early Life and Education
Acclaimed pianist Jan Novotný died on Monday in Prague at teh age of 90,as reported by his wife,Zuzana Novotná. Born in Prague on December 15, 1935, Novotný dedicated his life to the performance and preservation of Czech piano music.
He began his musical education at the Prague conservatory, studying with Václav Holzknecht and Antonín Resler. He continued his studies at the Academy of performing Arts under the tutelage of František Rauch.
Career Highlights
Novotný was a prominent interpreter of piano music in the latter half of the 20th century, with a particular focus on the works of Bedřich Smetana.From 1961, he shared his expertise as a teacher at the Prague Conservatory.
Between 1980 and 1988, he served as a soloist with the North Bohemian State Philharmonic in Teplice. He performed extensively around the globe,bringing Czech musical heritage to international audiences.
Legacy and Contributions
Novotný’s commitment to Smetana’s music extended beyond performance.From 1988, he co-organized the International Smetana Piano Competition, and from 1990, he chaired the Bedřich Smetana society, actively promoting the composer’s work.
In 1984,he undertook a significant recording project,capturing over eight hours of Smetana’s piano compositions. His repertoire also included works by Ludwig van Beethoven, František Xaver Dušek, Johannes Brahms, Igor Stravinsky, Bohuslav martinů, and Jaroslav Ježek.