Moravian-born Czech composer Leoš Janáček was born on this day in 1854.
Janáček's compositions were both Romantic and distinctly Czech, intertwining with his native language and Moravian folk music to create strong harmonies and repetitive melodies.
His signature works include the opera "Jenufa," symphonic poem "Sinfonietta," oratorio ''Glagolitic Mass," rhapsody "Taras Bulba," two string quartets, and a violin sonata.
The ninth of 14 children, Janáček studied in the Augustinian Monastery, where was once suspended after criticizing a chorale performance. During his lifetime, he also conducted the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra for seven years and taught composition at the Prague Conservatory.
