Jakub Jan Ryba

Czech Classical Composer and Teacher

Jakub Jan Ryba (1765–1815) was a Czech teacher and composer of classical music. His most famous work is the "Česká mše vánoční" ("Czech Christmas Mass"), often referred to by its opening words, "Hej, mistře!" ("Hey, Master!"). This piece, composed in 1796, is a pastoral mass that has become a beloved part of Czech Christmas tradition. Ryba's career in music was marked by his prolific output despite the challenges he faced in his personal life and the limited resources available to him in the rural settings where he worked. He composed over 1,000 musical works, including masses, motets, songs, and chamber music. Ryba's style was influenced by the classical Viennese style of the time, particularly by composers such as Haydn and Mozart. Despite his contributions to Czech music, Ryba struggled with financial difficulties and personal tragedies throughout his life, which led to his tragic suicide in 1815. His "Czech Christmas Mass" remains a significant part of Czech cultural heritage and is performed regularly during the Christmas season.