Zuzana Růžičková, Czech harpsichord player

Zuzana Růžičková (Czech pronunciation: [ˈzuzana ˈruːʒɪtʃkovaː]) (14 January 1927 – 27 September 2017) was an internationally acclaimed Czech harpsichordist whose remarkable career spanned over five decades. Renowned for her profound musicality and interpretive depth, she became one of the most significant figures in 20th-century harpsichord performance, a master interpreter of both classical and baroque music.

A pivotal milestone in her illustrious career was her monumental achievement as the first harpsichordist ever to record the complete solo keyboard works of Johann Sebastian Bach. This comprehensive undertaking, which included iconic compositions such as "The Well-Tempered Clavier," "The Art of Fugue," and the "Goldberg Variations," was undertaken between the 1960s and 1970s for the prestigious French classical music label, Erato Records. Her recordings are widely regarded as definitive interpretations, solidifying her legacy and significantly contributing to the modern understanding and appreciation of Bach's keyboard oeuvre.

Růžičková's life was also marked by extraordinary resilience in the face of immense adversity. As a teenager during World War II, she endured the horrors of Nazi persecution. She was imprisoned in multiple concentration camps, including Terezin (Theresienstadt), which served as a propaganda ghetto and transit camp, and Auschwitz, the notorious extermination camp. Ultimately, she was transported to the Bergen-Belsen death camp. Following the liberation of Bergen-Belsen by British forces in April 1945, she miraculously survived and returned to her hometown of Plzeň later that year, carrying the indelible scars of her wartime experiences.

Her personal life was intertwined with that of her husband, the distinguished Czech composer Viktor Kalabis. Their marriage was a partnership of artistic and moral fortitude. Throughout the period of Communist rule in Czechoslovakia (1948–1989), both Růžičková and Kalabis steadfastly refused to join the Czechoslovak Communist Party. This principled stance led to significant political persecution, including severe restrictions on their artistic freedom, limitations on international travel, and constant surveillance by the state apparatus. Despite these immense pressures, Růžičková continued to perform across the globe, a testament to her unwavering dedication to music and her art.

Over her prolific 50-year career, Zuzana Růžičková recorded over 100 albums, leaving an extensive discography that showcases her mastery. Beyond her performance and recording career, she was a dedicated and influential educator. She imparted her knowledge and unique insights to a generation of musicians, shaping the careers of many prominent figures in early music and beyond. Her esteemed students include pioneering early music specialist Christopher Hogwood, Norwegian harpsichordist Ketil Haugsand, eminent Czech organist and harpsichordist Jaroslav Tůma, and the critically acclaimed Iranian-American harpsichordist Mahan Esfahani.

Frequently Asked Questions about Zuzana Růžičková

What was Zuzana Růžičková's primary musical instrument?

Zuzana Růžičková was primarily a harpsichordist, an instrument she mastered and popularized through her extensive performances and recordings.

What was her most significant recording achievement?

Her most significant recording achievement was becoming the first harpsichordist to record the complete solo keyboard works of Johann Sebastian Bach. This monumental project, released by Erato Records, remains a cornerstone of the harpsichord discography.

How did World War II affect Zuzana Růžičková's life?

As a teenager, she was imprisoned in multiple Nazi concentration camps, including Terezin, Auschwitz, and Bergen-Belsen. This traumatic experience deeply impacted her but she survived and returned to Plzeň after liberation in 1945.

Did Zuzana Růžičková face political challenges in Czechoslovakia?

Yes, alongside her husband, composer Viktor Kalabis, she refused to join the Communist Party. This decision led to political persecution, including restrictions on her travel and artistic activities under the Communist regime from 1948 to 1989.

Who were some of Zuzana Růžičková's notable students?

She taught many influential musicians, including Christopher Hogwood, Ketil Haugsand, Jaroslav Tůma, and Mahan Esfahani, contributing significantly to the education of future generations of harpsichordists and early music specialists.