This is an old revision of this page, as edited by 78.26 (talk | contribs) at 17:06, 15 July 2011. The present address (URL) is a permanent link to this revision, which may differ significantly from the current revision.
Revision as of 17:06, 15 July 2011 by 78.26 (talk | contribs)(diff) ← Previous revision | Latest revision (diff) | Newer revision → (diff)Bohumir Kryl (1875-1961) was a Czech-American financial executive and art collector who is most famous as a cornetist, bandleader, and pioneer recording artist for both his solo work and as a leader of popular and Bohemian bands.
Biography
Bohumir Kryl was born new Prague in 1875. His first instrument was the violin, which he studied at age 10. He spent time performing both the violin and the cornet for a circus band. He immigrated to the United States in 1889. He became an eminent cornet player with the bands of John Philip Sousa and Frederick Innes. Because of his solo ability, he was branded as “The Caruso of the cornet.” He became acquainted with Joseph Jiran, who owned a Czechoslovakian music store in Chicago. With Jiran’s encouragement, he formed Kryl’s Bohemian Band in 1910 with the Cimera brothers. This group worked for Columbia, Victor, and Zonophone, recording works by such composers as Smetana, Dvorak, and Safranek. World War I interrupted his musical career, as he was serving in the U.S. Military.
Musical Style
Kryl was one of the few musicians who enjoyed successful dual careers as a mainstream musical artist and as an ethnic recording artist. He transitioned from a star soloist with the Sousa outfit to a leader of ethnic Czech music, and made the transition back to the broader national audience.
Legacy
Compositions
Partial discography
As Soloist
1903
| Label | Catalog # | Title | Format | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Columbia | 32033 | Utility polka | standard cylinder |
As Leader
References
- ^ Greene, Victor (1992). A Passion for Polka – Old-Time Ethnic Music in America. Berkeley: University of California Press. p. 78. ISBN 0-520-07584-6.
{{cite book}}: More than one of|pages=and|page=specified (help) - Greene, Victor (1992). A Passion for Polka – Old-Time Ethnic Music in America. Berkeley: University of California Press. p. 52. ISBN 0-520-07584-6.
{{cite book}}: More than one of|pages=and|page=specified (help) - Greene, Victor (1992). A Passion for Polka – Old-Time Ethnic Music in America. Berkeley: University of California Press. p. 79. ISBN 0-520-07584-6.
{{cite book}}: More than one of|pages=and|page=specified (help)