Janáček was the leading light of music in Brno, composing almost obsessively. His most notable piece of work was 1904’s Jenůfa, known informally as the Moravian national opera. This was Janáček’s coming out party, where his work moved out of the shadow of Dvorak and proudly into its own skin. It was free of sentimentality, full of intensity and the rigours of life. It is a hugely important piece of work. 

Brno played host to many of his most famous works, and his compositions became the city’s unofficial soundtrack. He established a school of composition in the city, a school that encouraged young composers to find their own voice as opposed to merely following in the footsteps of their famous forefather. It was typically Janáček.

All things musical in Brno point back to Leoš Janáček, with theatres, concert halls, streets and more taking his name. Pick up a piece of Janáček merchandise when in town, and then follow his historical haunts around town. Eat at U Polenku, drink at Stopka’s and while the days away at the Vegetable Market.