In Memoriam Karel Husa, Composer of 'Music for Prague 1968'

Sometimes, words won't do. Sometimes events demand a composer to memorialize events, to set down an eternal marker that says--'This thing happened, and this music will always remember it for us'.

Beethoven did that in the Third Symphony, originally dedicated to Napoleon Bonaparte, the dedication withdrawn as the man's true colors emerged.

Britten did it again in War Requiem--devastatingly so.

Karel Husa, the Czech composer, memorialized the Soviet suppression of the 1968 Prague Spring with 'Music For Prague'. Words won't do, only music will. It is hard listening, because it is a depiction of an incredibly ugly episode. It ends in inspiration, quoting the Hussite hymn 'Ye Who Are God's Warriors'--translation below.

Twenty-one years later, the Soviet goons departed with their tails between their legs. The Czechs and Slovaks sorted themselves out peacefully. One major factor in both event was the Christian faith that held the society together.

And, they had artists like Husa.

May he rest in peace and rise in glory.


Ye who are God's warriors and of his law,
Pray to God for help and have faith in Him;
That always with Him you will be victorious.

Christ is worth all your sacrifices, He will pay you back an hundredfold.
If you give up your life for Him you will receive eternal life.
Happy is he who dies fighting for the truth.

The Lord commandeth you not to fear those who harm the body,
And commandeth you to even put your life down for the love of your brothers.

Therefore, archers, crossbowmen, halberdiers of knightly rank,
Scythemen and macebearers from all walks of life,
Remember always the Lord benevolent.

Do not fear your enemies, nor gaze upon their number,
Keep the Lord in your hearts; for Him fight on,
And before enemies you need not flee.

Since ages past Czechs have said and had proverbs which state,
That if the leader is good, so too is the journey.[a]

Remember all of you the password which was given out.
Obey your captains and guard one another.
Stay sharp and everyone keep formation.

You beggars and wrongdoers, remember your soul!
For greed and theft don't lose your life.
And pay no heed to the spoils of war.

And with this happily cry out – saying, "At thee! Have at thee!"
Grasp the weapon in your hands and shout, "God is our Lord!"