In an exclusive interview with Lrytas.lt, Professor Emerita Giedrė Lukšaitė-Mrázkova from the Academy of Performing Arts in Prague reflects on the Czech composers who shaped the symphonic and chamber music landscape of the 18th century. She introduces four pivotal figures: Joseph Antonín Štěpán, Leopold Koželuh, Jiří Antonín Benda, and Jan Ladislav Dusík, who not only contributed significantly to music but also thrived amid the high society of their time, teaching princesses and mingling with influential personalities.

Lukšaitė-Mrázkova emphasizes that the 18th century was a dynamic period marked by wars, revolutions, and religious conflicts, which greatly influenced these composers' lives and works. Their contributions were recognized during their lifetimes, and while they laid the foundations for classical music, they later faced competition from musical geniuses who would elevate the genre to new heights. This historical context gives depth to their musical experimentation and achievements.

The interview serves as an invitation to explore the rich tapestry of Czech musical heritage and fosters a greater appreciation for how these composers not only influenced later giants like Beethoven, Mozart, and Schubert but also left an indelible mark on the evolution of classical music.