Leos Janacek and "the late style" in music

Journal/Book: Gerontologist. 1990; 30: 632-5.

Abstract: Czech composer Leos Janacek (1854-1928) represents one of the most remarkable cases of creative energy in advancing years. Indeed, he is remembered primarily for the works that he composed in the last decade of his life. In this paper, Janacek's concept of aging is outlined in three areas: the subject matter of his late operas, the composer's own comments during this period, and the shape of his musical structures. The concept of "the late style" is questioned, and the problems of applying models to artistic creativity and productivity are noted.

Note: Department of Music Washington University St. Louis Mo 63130.

Keyword(s): Czechoslovakia ; History of Medicine, 19th Cent.; History of Medicine, 20th Cent. Aging psychology; Creativeness ; Famous Persons; Music history Human; Support, Non U.S. Gov't

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