The Enduring Legacy of Pavel Klikar: A Renaissance Man of Czech Jazz and Baroque
The recent passing of Pavel Klikar, founder of the Original Prague Syncopated Orchestra (OPSO) and Musica Antiqua Praha, marks the loss of a true visionary. Klikar’s dedication to authentic musical revival, spanning jazz and baroque periods, has left an indelible mark on the Czech musical landscape and beyond. Ondřej Havelka, a long-time collaborator, described him as “genial,” a testament to his exceptional talent and influence.
Reviving a Lost Sound: Klikar’s Three Principles
Klikar’s approach to musical restoration wasn’t simply about playing aged tunes. He formulated three core principles for meaningfully reviving the earliest chapters of jazz history: understanding the period’s musical mindset, mastering period-specific arranging techniques, and utilizing instruments from the era. This commitment extended to sourcing original 18th-century instruments, having them meticulously restored, and even commissioning replicas. This dedication spurred the development of replica harpsichord and organ production in the Czech Republic.
From Jazz Roots to Baroque Heights
In 1974, Klikar founded OPSO, a band dedicated to authentically interpreting jazz music. By 1976, the ensemble had expanded to include a second saxophone, a violin, and vocalist Ondřej Havelka. Later, in 1982, he established Musica Antiqua Praha, focusing on baroque music. Both ensembles achieved international recognition for their historically informed performances. Klikar’s work involved meticulous research into period performance practices, acoustics, and tuning, all aimed at achieving a pure, authentic sound. He also dedicated himself to discovering, transcribing, and performing previously unknown compositions from archives.
A Dramaturgically Innovative Approach
Klikar wasn’t just a performer; he was a curator of musical experiences. He crafted dramatically innovative concert programs, led intensive rehearsals, and organized concert series focused on early baroque music. His efforts culminated in numerous recordings and album releases, preserving these revitalized sounds for future generations.
The Havelka Connection: A Collaborative Legacy
Ondřej Havelka’s career is inextricably linked to Klikar’s. Havelka joined OPSO in 1976 and later formed his own group, Ondřej Havelka a jeho Melody Makers, in 1995, taking several OPSO members with him. Havelka often spoke of the unique atmosphere of venues like Prague’s Lucerna Hall, where both he and Klikar had performed, noting its historical significance and the presence of jazz legends like Louis Armstrong and Sonny Rollins who had graced its stage.
The Future of Historically Informed Performance
Klikar’s legacy points to a growing trend in music: a renewed appreciation for historically informed performance. This isn’t simply about recreating the past, but about understanding the context in which the music was created and striving for an authentic interpretation. This approach is gaining traction across various genres, from classical music to early jazz and blues.
FAQ
What was Pavel Klikar’s main contribution to music? Klikar’s main contribution was his dedication to authentically reviving jazz and baroque music through meticulous research, instrument restoration, and historically informed performance practices.
What is the Original Prague Syncopated Orchestra? OPSO is a Czech band founded by Pavel Klikar in 1974, specializing in American music from the 1920s and 1930s, such as jazz, blues, and swing.
Who is Ondřej Havelka? Ondřej Havelka is a Czech singer and bandleader who was a member of OPSO and later formed his own group, Ondřej Havelka a jeho Melody Makers, dedicated to 1920s and 30s jazz.
What principles guided Klikar’s musical approach? He emphasized understanding the period’s musical mindset, mastering period arranging techniques, and using instruments from the era.
Did Klikar pursue a career outside of music? Yes, in 2017, Klikar ran for a seat in the Czech Senate, though he was unsuccessful.
Pro Tip: Explore the discographies of OPSO and Musica Antiqua Praha to experience the fruits of Klikar’s dedication firsthand. Many recordings are available online.
Interested in learning more about the revival of vintage musical styles? Read our interview with Ondřej Havelka to delve deeper into the world of Czech swing and jazz.
Share your thoughts on Pavel Klikar’s legacy in the comments below! What are your favorite examples of historically informed performance?
