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Czech composer and conductor renowned for military marches and popular concert works.Prolific Bohemian composer of over 400 works including marches, waltzes, and polkas. Served as military bandmaster across Austro-Hungarian Empire. His march 'Entrance of the Gladiators' became globally iconic as circus theme music.

• Studied at Prague Conservatory under Antonín Dvořák, initially focusing on violin and bassoon before composition.
• Directed military bands in Kraków, Sarajevo, and Budapest, significantly elevating their artistic standards during his leadership.
• Financial struggles plagued his later years despite artistic success, exacerbated by heart disease that caused his premature death at 44.
• His 'Florentiner March' was famously conducted by Herbert von Karajan during New Year's concerts, cementing its classical crossover status.
• Composed under pseudonyms including 'Julius Arnošt' and 'Stanislav Bohumil' for lighter dance pieces to supplement income.