• Music Institute of Josef Jiránek: pupil(s) of institute

Der Tagesbote 2/8/1854 reported that ‘The pupils of the Musical Institute of Mr Josef Jiranek [Jiránek] have their annual Examination-productions [Prüfungsproduktionen] in the Žofín Hall on 4th and 5th August.’ No further details were given by this source.

Mercy’s Anzeiger 3/8/1854 published news that ‘On the 4th and 5th August takes place the Examination-productions of the pupils of Jiranek’s [Jiránek] Music Institute on the Žofín Island. Admission tickets may be had for free from the [house] At the 3 Limes on the moat.’

An unsigned review of these examinations was published by Der Tagesbote 6/8/1854. The correspondent remarked that the events attracted a ‘very numerous’ audience. The programmes ‘contained in total 49 numbers, all piano compositions, and delivered quite sufficient evidence of the assiduity of the teachers and pupils.’ All was conducted in an air of friendliness, and ‘applause was naturally not restrained.’ Particularly notable were the performances for 8 pianofortes, each four hands, which had been heard only once before in the productions of such local institutes. The solo performances also illustrated the effectiveness of the school. Jiránek’s Institute was thought to belong amongst the best of Prague’s rich number of music institutes and societies.’

A brief review of these examinations also appeared in Mercy’s Anzeiger 8/8/1854 noting: ‘The Examination Performances for pupils of Jiranek’s [Jiránek] Music Institute that took place on 4 and 5 August in the Hall of Žofín Island attracted a numerous audience, which rewarded with great applause the very satisfying results of the teaching method employed in this already long-established Institute. The performance of the pupils in both solo and ensemble playing was fluent and accurate. Particularly notable were the female pupils who proved themselves to be very promising, under the tuition of Miss Anna Wawra [Vavra], Erbes and John.