Gustav Laska

Gustav Laska was born on 23 August 1847 in Prague (at that time Austrian Empire, today Czech Republic). At the age of 14 Laska enrolled at the Prague conservatory and studied double bass (under Josef Hrabe) and composition (under Johann Friedrich Kittl and Josef Krejci). He completed his studies in 1867.
After his studies Gustav Laska first worked as a kapellmeister at the Hofkapelle in Kassel (Germany), later in Sondershausen, Göttingen, Halberstadt, Eisleben and Berlin (Bilse orchestra). Beside his work as a conductor Gustav Laska also toured as a double bass soloist. He was an virtuoso on the double bass and the instrument itself a rare soloist which brought Gustav Laska a world wide recognition and success. He toured through Europe and the USA as a double bassist and was called the "German Bottesini". In 1878 Gustav Laska was named the solo double bassist of the Hofoper in Schwerin. A position he held until his retirement in 1923.
Beside his work as a performer Gustav Laska also composed music. Among his compositions are 2 operas ("Sünde" & "Der Kaisersoldat"), 2 symphonies, a double bass concerto, "Deutsches Aufgebot" for voices, choir and orchestra, 2 piano sonatas, piano music, chamber music for double bass, songs, 3 masses and other sacred music as well as a highly important school for double bass.
Gustav Laska died on 16 October 1928 in Schwerin (Germany).

Symphony No.1

In my possession is the autograph full score of the Symphony No.1 in D minor op.29 by Gustav Laska. The work is dedicated to Frederick Francis III, the Grand-Duke of Mecklenburg-Schwerin from 1883 to 1897. The premiere was given by the Lohorchester in Sondershausen in 1890. On the title page the work is introduced with a quote from"Das Menschenherz" by Alb. Wolf: "Der Kindheit Morgen / Der Altern Sorgen / Des Lebens Leiden: / Das Höchste der Kunst in Lust und Schmerz".