No other composer stands for the lively blend of traditional and modern music as does Leo(s< Janácek. His oeuvre is a fusion of national identity and universal humanism. Born in Moravia in 1854, Janácek did not become known beyond the borders of his small native country until the age of 60; but then he gained worldwide fame very quickly, particularly thanks to his operas Jenufa and Katya Kabanova, the Sinfonietta as well as chamber music works. His unique tonal language, close to the text, is immediately accessible to the listener but challenges him nevertheless. Today, Janácek's compositions rank among the classics of modern music. With this book, Christoph Schwandt presents the first 'handy', yet comprehensive biography of the Czech composer in a lively and well-informed manner, which also takes a look at the historical and cultural background of that time and grants interested music lovers wide-ranging access to the life and work of Janácek. Christoph Schwandt, born in Bad Homburg in 1956, was employed at the theatres of Oldenburg, Bonn and Essen as well as at the Salzburg Festival in a managerial capacity. Since 2002 he has been literary director of the Opera of Cologne. As an author, he has published biographies of Georges Bizet and Giuseppe Verdi, among others.