Marketa Irglova is a Czech-Icelandic musician, singer-songwriter, and actress. She is best known for starring in the 2007 Irish musical drama film Once, which earned Irglová numerous prestigious awards, such as an Oscar under the Best Original Song category for her song, Falling Slowly.
Jan Hammer is a Czech-American musician, record producer, and composer. He is best known for his work in the popular American crime drama series, Miami Vice, for which he composed and produced music for 90 episodes. Jan Hammer is also known for his collaboration with some of the most influential rock and jazz musicians like John McLaughlin and Mick Jagger.
Ignaz Moscheles was a Bohemian composer and piano virtuoso. Such was his talent and skills that Beethoven himself entrusted him with the preparation of his only opera Fidelio's piano score. Moscheles considered Beethoven as his idol and cherished the opportunity to work with him. Ignaz Moscheles is also credited with teaching fellow composer and pianist Felix Mendelssohn.
Erwin Schulhoff was a Czech pianist and composer. His musical journey suffered the same fate as that of most European musicians whose careers were cut short by the rise of the Nazis at the beiginning of the 20th century. Although his works were seldom performed or noted during his lifetime, Erwin Schulhoff achieved posthumous recognition.
Composer-pianist Jan Ladislav Dussek remained instrumental in representing Czech music globally, travelling widely across Europe and performing at courts and concert venues. Noted for technical prowess, Dussek played a significant role in extending the size of the pianoforte. His compositions for the harp are regarded as standard repertoire for all harpists, while the ones for piano are highly valued by many teachers.
Alexander Dreyschock was a Czech composer and pianist. He is best remembered for playing the arpeggios of Frédéric Chopin's Étude on the Bombardment of Warsaw in octaves using only his left hand. Alexander Dreyschock also taught at St. Petersburg Conservatory where Arkady Abaza was one of his students.