BLÁHA, ZDENĚK (b. 1929)

Zdeněk Bláha was born in 1929 at Horní Bříza near Plzeň in the Czech Republic. He graduated from the Academy of Music in Prague in the Department of Folk Instruments. His original instrument was the violin. From 1960-1964, the Czech bagpipe (dudy) became his solo instrument. He became one of the country'’s masters of folk music and was the leader of an amateur folk music and dance ensemble from his town. He has worked as music editor for Czech radio in Plzeň and teaches music privately. Recognized as a composer and arranger of brass and folk music, he has authored professional articles about Czech folk music and dances. Originally scored for three violins as a Christmas nocturno, this musical gem was edited by Joel Blahník for different instrumental trios because of its adaptability, musical challenge and beauty.