Josef Suk (Jan. 4, 1874 - May 29, 1935) was a Czech composer and violinist. He began his musical training at an early age, learning the violin, organ, and piano from his father. Suk went on to study composition at the Prague Conservatory, with his most famous teacher being Antonin Dvořák, and the two became close, trusted friends. Suk ended up marrying Dvořák's  daughter, Otilie.

Suk composed his Serenade for Strings while he was at the Prague Conservatory, studying with Dvořák. He noticed many of Suk's compositions had a melancholy feel to them, and encouraged him to write something more cheerful, and thus, Serenade for Strings was written. A four movement work (Andante con moto, Allegro ma non troppo e grazioso, Adagio, Allegro giocoso, ma non troppo presto), is not a complicated, difficult work to understand. It is cheerful and upbeat in the first two movements, where the Adagio, with it's rich cello solo in the beginning sets a more grounded mood, but nonetheless contains the same uncomplicated beauty of the previous movements. The last movement rounds things out with a driving, cheerful energy. Johannes Brahms was a great admirer of this work, and was quick to recommend its publication.  It is probably Suk's most famous work, yet we sadly don't see it on programs as often as other Serenade for Strings by other composers.

Here are some recordings of this wonderful work for you to enjoy!

Czech Philharmonic Orchestra
Granada Chamber Orchestra
Budapest Strings