Josef Bulva facts for kids

Josef Bulva (born January 9, 1943 – died August 12, 2020) was a talented Czech pianist. He was known for his amazing piano skills and for playing many difficult classical pieces.

Early Life and Musical Start

Josef Bulva was born in Brno, which is now part of the Czech Republic. He started learning music at a special school when he was just nine years old. By the time he was 13, he was already performing concerts! He played music by famous composers like Mozart, Liszt, and Brahms.

Because he was so good, Josef didn't have to go to a regular school. Instead, he got a special scholarship to study at the Brno Conservatory. He then continued his studies at the Music Academy in Bratislava, where he graduated with top honors. When he was only 21, he was recognized as a "State Artist," which is a big honor for someone so young.

Challenges and Comebacks

Josef Bulva traveled the world, playing many concerts. But in 1971, he had a serious accident that stopped him from playing for a whole year. After that, he moved from his home country to the west for political reasons. This means he moved because of the way the government was run at the time. He lived first in Munich and then in Luxembourg, where he started playing and recording music again.

In 1996, Josef had another accident, this time injuring his left hand. Doctors thought he might never be able to play the piano professionally again. But a Swiss hand surgeon named Beat Simmen performed an operation. After 13 years, Josef Bulva made an incredible comeback! He started playing concerts again in late 2009 in cities like Augsburg, Munich, Zurich, and Stuttgart. He passed away in Monaco.

What Music Did Josef Bulva Play?

Josef Bulva played a wide range of classical music. His performances included works by many famous composers. He played pieces by Mozart, Beethoven, Brahms, Chopin, Liszt, Tchaikovsky, Prokofiev, Scriabin, and Rachmaninov. He even created his own versions of some well-known pieces, like Liszt’s "Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2" and Wagner's Tannhäuser Overture.

Recordings and Albums

Josef Bulva recorded many albums with different music companies. Some of these companies include Teldec, RCA, Orfeo, and Mediaphon-Madacy. You can still find some of his recordings today.

Here are a few of his notable recordings:

• "Piano Recital" with music by Beethoven and Chopin. This was recorded live.
• Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 21 (also known as "Waldstein").
• Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 23 ("Appassionata").
• Liszt: Transcendental Études.
• Prokofiev: Romeo and Juliet (a piano version).

Later, a collection of his work called The Art of Josef Bulva was released. This collection has seven CDs and includes many of his most important performances:

• Beethoven: Piano Concerto No. 5 ("Emperor").
• Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 13.
• Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 14 ("Moonlight").
• Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 23 ("Appassionata").
• Brahms: Piano Concerto No. 2.
• Chopin: Ballade No. 1.
• Chopin: Scherzo No. 2.
• Chopin: Polonaise No. 3 ("Military Polonaise").
• Chopin: Polonaise No. 5.
• Liszt: Piano Concerto No. 1.
• Liszt: Piano Concerto No. 2.
• Liszt: Piano Sonata in B minor.
• Liszt: Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2.
• Liszt: Grandes études de Paganini No. 3 ("La Campanella").
• Liszt: Rhapsodie Espagnole.
• Mozart: Piano Sonata No. 17.
• Rachmaninov: Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini.
• Scriabin: Piano Sonata No. 3.
• Tchaikovsky: Piano Concerto No. 1.