Czech Museum Research Articles

Clarinettist Milan Kostohryz: His contribution to the field of reconstruction of historical instruments and his innovative promotion of new instruments

My dissertation at the Department of Music Education and Culture at the University of West Bohemia is entitled “Milan Kostohryz. His contribution to music interpretation and pedagogy.” The dissertation focuses on an extraordinary musician, Milan Kostohryz (1911–1998), who had a significant impact on both the Czech and worldwide music community. He was highly professional, passionate, and meticulous, which was reflected in the wide scope of his activities. He was a reliable and sought-after player (in opera orchestras, chamber ensembles and as a soloist); a respected and successful teacher (almost all his students were successful in the field); an exceptional methodologist (he wrote a number of methodical articles and papers, which are relevant to this day); a researcher in the field of music history (he investigated the development of wind instruments in Czechia and revised dozens of old compositions). Many contemporary composers wrote works specifically for him, which he then premiered. Thanks to his extensive correspondence with dozens of music personalities all over the world, he contributed to several specialized international publications and was regularly invited to music conferences abroad (e.g. USA, Germany). His niche specialisation included official reviews of the quality of instruments (clarinets and saxophones) and mouthpieces available on the market at that time. He took part in the reconstruction of “Mozart’s basset clarinet” based on period sketches and built a working quarter-tone clarinet. His extensive interest in his field sets him apart from his contemporar - ies, many of whom were “just players”, rather than researchers. This dissertation is concerned mainly with his above-mentioned research. The principal resource for the research is an extensive written estate, with which I have been entrusted. It is currently deposited in the Czech museum of music in Prague (CMM). There are very few printed resources, as M. Kostohryz was not permitted to make substantial publications due to political reasons (see Bibliography).

New Public Management and Its Influence on Museum Performance: The Case of Czech Republic

The article analyzes the influence of particular instruments of the New Public Management reforms on the performance of Czech museums. We examine the impact of administrative decentralization, management autonomy, and performance management tools, using a survey, two-stage data envelopment analysis, and focus groups. Using these methods, we have been able to confirm the significative impact of administrative decentralization and substantial autonomy. However, the statistical significance of financial autonomy was not confirmed, neither was the way in which objectives are set, nor the use of quality management methods to achieve performance.

From Świdnica to Bratislava: The sculpture of Christ the Saviour from the collection of the Slovak National Gallery

Among the works that stand out in the Baroque sculpture collection of the Slovak National Gallery (SNG) is the figure of the Saviour by Georg Leonhard Weber of Świdnica. Surveys conducted in Slovak, Czech and Polish museums, combined with field studies, have made it possible to provide hitherto unexplored artistic context of the work. They have made it possible to trace the formal origins of the Bratislava Saviour as well as its later imitations. The sculpture is carved with virtuosic precision; it develops a concept derived from ancient art and is the finest example of Weber’s early oeuvre. Also, it constitutes a link between works made in his workshop over four decades. The present study demonstrates the advantages of an interdisciplinary and international analysis of museum collections. It highlights the significance of the sculpture in question to Central European cultural heritage, expanding the knowledge of museum collections in three different countries.

The Organ Compositions of Bedřich Antonín Wiedermann

This article deals with the compositions of the Czech organist Bedřich Antonín Wiedermann (1883–1951), who, unlike his contemporaries, was also a composer. He wrote around 340 works, of which more than a quarter are for organ. Most survive in the collection of his manuscripts deposited at the Czech Museum of Music (České muzeum hudby) in Prague.

Professional standards in museum pedagogy in the international context

Professional standards of museum work are defined by the clearly formulated International Council of Museums (ICOM) Code of Ethics and by the activity of professional organisations on both national and international levels. The goal to establish the general requirements for the education of museum workers was mainly pursued by the ICOM and some of its committees. Since museum pedagogy has developed into an independent discipline and museum pedagogue (educator) has became a full-value profession, the specialised commissions within individual professional organisations and the efforts of individual researchers have helped to gradually transform these general requirements into specific standards of museum pedagogy. These standards reflect both the scope of activities and necessary competencies of museum pedagogues, and the expected quality of education practice in museums (best practice). The varied views of professional standards for museum pedagogues in the international context represent a source of inspiration in the sphere of Czech museum pedagogy, which is undergoing a dynamic development in several areas of its activities (educational practice, consolidated legislative position) and gradually formulating its own professional standards.

Erard Harps in the Collection of the Czech Museum of Music

Abstract The present harp collection of the National Museum – Czech Museum of Music contains Erard pedal harps from various periods of that famed Parisian company’s activity. In creating musical instruments, Sébastian Erard built upon the work of G. Cousineau and C. Groll and became the most successful manufacturer of double-action pedal harps with a fourchette (fork) mechanism (mécanique à fourchettes et à double mouvement). Erard’s work as an instrument maker influenced not only the historical development of the harp, but also the work of other instrument makers. In Bohemia, the Czech harp maker Alois Červenka (1858–1938) built upon Erard’s work with great success. The Erard harps in the collection of the Czech Museum of Music document the Czech socio-cultural context in which the harps of the French instrument maker were used from the late nineteenth century until the middle of the twentieth.

Devolution in the Czech and Slovak institutions of cultural heritage

ABSTRACTThis paper presents a comparative study of the impact of devolution on institutions in the area of cultural heritage in the Czech and Slovak Republics. Both states had formed a previous federation. After the break-up of the federation, public administration reforms with different trajectories took place in each state. In the Czech Republic, part of the museums was transferred from the authority of the ministries to the regions. This process, however, has had different trajectory in Slovakia. In this article, we compare the efficiency of Czech museums of a regional character with regional museums in Slovakia where the devolution did not occur. For comparison, we have utilized input-based envelopment data analysis. Our results suggest that institutions which have undergone the above-described form of devolution have lower performance than other institutions.

Do the Buildings Really Matter? Czech, Polish and Slovak Museums and Centres of Contemporary Art in Adapted Buildings

ABSTRACTThis paper discusses the connection between museums and centres of contemporary art operating in adapted buildings, on the one hand, and on the other, the history of the place where the buildings are located. I discuss seven discrete case studies, representing a variety of approaches to buildings and the areas in which they operate, in the Czech Republic, Poland and Slovakia. My analysis of each case study covers four main subject areas: (1) discussions connecting the building’s history with its new role; (2) the architectural features and appearance of the building; (3) references3 to the history of the site in the institution’s programme and communication; and (4) efforts to build bonds with local communities. In my conclusions, I argue that the identity of the institution may either be rooted in the history of the place presented and discussed in its programme, or be independent of the history of the building but nonetheless connected to the area in which it is located.

The Use of New Media, Technologies and Other Modern Presentation Techniques in Czech Museums

Museums in the information society are finding ways how to incorporate the technologies, the media and the modern presentation techniques into the exhibitions by designing interactive and collaborative activities and by online communication with the public. The article presents data from the quantitative questionnaire survey conducted in 2015 which was attended by 203 Czech museums. The hypothesis of the frequent utilisation of modern presentation techniques in exhibitions has not been confirmed. Not event in relation to museums which have been significantly modernised during 2005–2015. Only 27 % of the modernised museums utilise at least 4 types of the modern forms. The hypothesis which expected that majority of museums offer the accompanying activities has been confirmed. The hypothesis that Czech museums are lacking in regard to the use of new media in online communication has not been confirmed, however data show that there is a space for improvement. The implementation of the modern presentation techniques is dependent on the size of the museum that is defined by a number of employees. 65 % of all Czech museums have 1–10 employees and in these institutions the implementation is more difficult and is used only modestly.

Redefinisanje muzeja 21. - veka od potrebe za boljom i atraktivnijom postavkom ka tehnološki savremenijoj instituciji

This essay presents a view of contemporary museology. The presentation deals with the better offer and potential of the museums from the beginning of the 21st century. The key issues dealt with are the chall enges that appear before museums as institutions of public and cultural interest that require redefinition and new positioning in relation to the audience. The task of the paper is to point out the new scientific and technological development and the possibilities of the museums and their integration with the progressive development of humanity. Museums should apply the positivistic and critical knowledge, competence and qualifications of museum workers whose efficiency criterion includes the use of modern technology and media as an important resource that promotes the aesthetics of sound and chromatic beauty. Part of the description and presentation takes place through the prism of the visitors of the museum. As an example of innovative approaches in the museum's work and good practice we have listed some Prague museums (two museums: of musical instruments and the Antonín Dvo ák museum). Digitization and sound recordings that accompany most of the exhibited items both Czech museums accelerate and complement the experience of their visitors. These museums have accomplished their goal and modern technology has been purposely implemented to enrich and supplement the exhibition of both Prague museums. Such research can be particularly significant and useful for better understanding the specialty of musical art, using modern technology and media in museums.

Emmy Destinn Memorabilia from the Estate of Hilda Schueler-Mosert

In 2017 the National Museum – Czech Museum of Music obtained a rare set of memorabilia for the singer Emmy Destinn (1878–1930) from the estate of her friend Hilda Schueler-Mosert (1888–1965). The two women met in ca. 1905, and they remained in contact until Emmy Destinn’s death. Hilda Schueler, a German sculptress and painter, was forced to flee Germany with her husband in 1942 because of their Jewish origins. After the war, they settled in Sweden. The set of material contains letters, programmes and posters, newspaper clippings, photographs of the two women, and phonograph records. The items were donated by Hilda Schueler’s grandchildren, who live in Sweden.

The Works of Joseph and Michael Haydn in Ondřej Horník’s Collection

Abstract Joseph Haydn (1732-1809) and his brother Michael (1737-1806) were the most popular composers in eighteenth-century Bohemia, and their compositions have been preserved in collections in Prague, among other places. The study deals with Haydniana in the collection of Ondřej Horník (1864-1917) kept at the National Museum - Czech Museum of Music and with sacred works in particular. It notes the performances of compositions by both Haydn brothers given by the Brothers Hospitallers in Kuks, gives concrete examples of changes to instrumentation depending on changing tastes during the period, and touches on cases of doubtful authorship and practical questions concerning the manufacturing and distribution of paper. Among other things, it affirms the importance of Ondřej Horník's activity as a collector.

Comment: Characterization of Two Historic Smallpox Specimens from a Czech Museum.

The complete genome sequences of two strains of variola virus (VARV) sampled from human smallpox specimens present in the Czech National Museum, Prague, were recently determined, with one of the sequences estimated to date to the mid-19th century. Using molecular clock methods, the authors of this study go on to infer that the currently available strains of VARV share an older common ancestor, at around 1350 AD, than some recent estimates based on other archival human samples. Herein, we show that the two Czech strains exhibit anomalous branch lengths given their proposed age, and by assuming a constant rate of evolutionary change across the rest of the VARV phylogeny estimate that their true age in fact lies between 1918 and 1937. We therefore suggest that the age of the common ancestor of currently available VARV genomes most likely dates to late 16th and early 17th centuries and not ~1350 AD.

Exhibition Policy of the National Museum 2017−2020

Abstract The National Museum (NM) is preparing several temporary exhibitions in all of its buildings, along with preparing new permanent exhibitions in the New and Historical Buildings. All parts of the National Museum are incorporated in the preparation of new exhibitions, i.e. the Historical Museum, Natural History Museum, Czech Museum of Music, Náprstek Museum and the National Museum Library. In 2017, these exhibition projects are: Light and Life, Masaryk as a Phenomenon, and Indians. In 2018, the National Museum will present the Czech-Slovak / Slovak-Czech exhibition, which will reflect the 100th anniversary of the founding of Czechoslovakia, together with selected moments of Czechoslovakian history and the relationship of these two nations. 2019 could bring the opening of the grand Egyptology exposition Sun Kings and also new Natural history expositions. The remaining permanent expositions should be opened in 2020. The exhibitions in this period will likely recall some important anniversaries (1620, 1920). In future years, the renovation of the Czech Museum of Music and Náprstek Museum will take place.

Characterization of Two Historic Smallpox Specimens from a Czech Museum.

Although smallpox has been known for centuries, the oldest available variola virus strains were isolated in the early 1940s. At that time, large regions of the world were already smallpox-free. Therefore, genetic information of these strains can represent only the very last fraction of a long evolutionary process. Based on the genomes of 48 strains, two clades are differentiated: Clade 1 includes variants of variola major, and clade 2 includes West African and variola minor (Alastrim) strains. Recently, the genome of an almost 400-year-old Lithuanian mummy was determined, which fell basal to all currently sequenced strains of variola virus on phylogenetic trees. Here, we determined two complete variola virus genomes from human tissues kept in a museum in Prague dating back 60 and 160 years, respectively. Moreover, mass spectrometry-based proteomic, chemical, and microscopic examinations were performed. The 60-year-old specimen was most likely an importation from India, a country with endemic smallpox at that time. The genome of the 160-year-old specimen is related to clade 2 West African and variola minor strains. This sequence likely represents a new endemic European variant of variola virus circulating in the midst of the 19th century in Europe.

Cultural and Educational Bases of Czech Museums Activities (Based on the Example of the Science Center "Techmania" in City Plzen)

The article discusses the activities of Czech children's museum "Science Center "Teсhmania"" in city Plzen in the Czech Republic, which teaches and develops children with the help of interactive technologies. They influence on the formation of personality competency of the museum educator, helping to carry out efficiently the educational process, promote the effective implementation of education in terms of the museum environment. The article is devoted to a definition of the place and the role of the pedagogy of museum in organization of the cultural and educational process in museum. The role of the children's museum in non-formal education in the Czech Republic is described. There are shown the directions of scientific and technical education in the form of a game, using the latest technological advances (the usage of 3D-cinema, program of children's groups, the development of museum infrastructure). The necessity of introducing such work experience in Ukraine is shown. Borrowing the experience of foreign colleagues is important because the activities of our museums sometimes require radical restructuring. The introduction of close cooperation with such educational institutions like the museum "Teсhmania" is important, and high scientific and technical level remains an important issue as well, worthy of imitation. Prospects for further development of this problem lies in the consideration of other foreign museums that will enable national museums to adopt better and increase efficiency.

Does Decentralized Leadership Influence the Performance of Czech Museums?

Abstract This study tests whether decentralized leadership influences the efficiency of running selected cultural institutions, specifically museums in the Czech Republic. For the analysis, data from 2015 from 187 museums spread around the whole Czech Republic are used. The method for the evaluation of efficiency is data envelope analysis, and for identifying the influence of decentralized leadership, a regression analysis is used. Museums established by municipalities reach higher efficiency than museums established by regions and central government. The causes may be found in the ability to better estimate the local demand as well as in the rational behavior of municipalities that prefer a cost-minimization strategy. The benefits of decentralization cannot be seen only in the field of finance but also in reinforcing local traditions, trust and the effects of social capital that is generated by a strong regional cultural identity.

Catalogue of type specimens of ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) deposited in Czech museums

Type specimens of ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) deposited in natural history museum collections in the Czech Republic are catalogued. Altogether, we list types of 19 extant taxa housed in the Department of Entomology, National Museum, Prague; the Department of Entomology, Moravian Museum, Brno; the Department of Natural History, Museum of the Highlands, Jihlava; and the Department of Natural History, Silesian Museum, Opava.

Harps Made by Franz Brunner in the Collection of the Czech Museum of Music

Abstract The collection of the National Museum – Czech Museum of Music contains the largest set of harps built by Franz Brunner. This instrument maker was one of the most important builders of pedal harps in Vienna in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Brunner’s harps use a single-action pedal design, the fourchette mechanism, decorations in the Empire style, and in a few cases, the application of a new design principle with the use of an eighth pedal. This documents an important stage in the instrument’s development, in which the single-action pedal harp was gaining ground in competition with the double-action harp. In the course of research, the maker was identified for another two instruments that had previously been listed as harps by anonymous makers. The comparisons include another three specimens of harps made by Brunner from other music collections abroad.

Important anniversary of the leading Czech numismatist, historian and museum person – Eduard Šimek (*1936)

Abstract On February 22, 2016, the Czech numismatist, historian and museum person Eduard Šimek celebrated his important anniversary – his 80th birthday. Between 1963 and 2005, he spent some 43 years in the National Museum in Prague; first of all, he served as a curator of the numismatic department, and since 1990, he was appointed gradually a research secretary, deputy director-in-general and director of the Historical museum. He wrote more than 400 books, articles, studies and reports, he was a co-author of several exhibitions, he worked as a secretary of the editorial board of the Numismatické listy, and he was an editor of the Sborník vlastivědných prací z Podblanicka, Muzejní a vlastivědná práce / Časopis Společnosti přátel starožitností, and many others. He used to be a member of several editorial boards, research collegia, many committees and commissions, numismatic, historical and museum societies. Since 2005, he has been working for the Pedagogical Museum, and he was awarded the medal of J. A. Komenský for his extraordinary contribution in the field. Parallelly, he taught – and still teaches – numismatics at the Charles University in Prague and at the University of South Bohemia in Budweis. He also gives lectures at the Higher Professional School of Information Services in Prague. He is a honorary member of the Czech Numismatic Society and a correspondent of the Austrian Numismatic Society.