• pupils of the Prague Seminary Institute for the Blind: pupil(s) of institute, vv, pf, cl, vl, org

Národní listy 19/7/1861 reported that the pupils performing in these examinatins were to include singers, organists, violinists, pianists and clarinettists. The subsequent, unsigned Národní listy 26/7/1861 review reported that ‘On Tuesday 23rd July took place the annual public examinations in the educational institute for poor blind children on Hradčany. Besides school subjects was also music of a great variety of types. In religious studies as well as all other subjects the pupils smartly and consistently answered [the questions posed], yet we must mention especially about geography, for which a globe is used fabricated especially for the blind, and whose lectures by... Mr Bezecný, [made it] a most fascinating subject. Not less interesting were the performances of musical works. A beautiful four-part chorus of pupils lifted the spirits of the listeners heavenwards, and no-one could not believe - nor had heard - that it was possible to train children to such an extent. Anna Vernerová prettily performed on the pianoforte; Fr. Grosse expressively played a delicious adagio on the clarinet; Hypolit Heřmánek and Josef Krupka performed a difficult Duo for violins with taste. Karel Steffel excellently acquitted himself at the piano and on the harp, and obtained with the others great applause. We also marvelled at Josef Krupka when he worked his hands and feet at the organ and performed cleanly his prelude. Decent too was the work of the girls, who ended the examinations.’ The source concluded by noting briefly the financial position of the Institute and reporting that during the school year there were 29 pupils and one private pupil. Last year there were 34.

A detailed review was also published by Prager Zeitung 27/7/1861. A general description of the activities of the pupils was given, including mention of their study of religion, natural history, both Czech and German languages, and geography. Their ability to pick out upon a globe oceans, continents, islands and cities was also remarked upon. Following literature tests vocal and instrumental music performances took place. They comprised ‘magnificent chorales (Czech and German) by Wittassek [Vitásek], Bezecný and others, alternately with the accompaniment of organ and of piano and properly and tastefully performed by four-part chorus. In the instrumental-production particularly deserving of mention were Karel Steffel and Anna Werner (both pianists), who earnt and received the greatest approbation. Hypolit Heřmanek and Joseph Krupka warrant the most beautiful hopes as violin players.’ The source then proceeded to talk more generally about the institute.