A story of keys, art and science 2023

This commented series of concerts takes a look back at the events in Prague between 1784 and 1824. The establishment of the Royal Capital of Prague in 1784, the first season of the newly completed Nostic Theatre and the founding of the Royal Czech Society of Sciences ushered in an exciting period of artistic and social life here. It was made up of people with a passion for both the arts and the sciences, and was shaped by friendship, games of fate, great political events or chance.

Could a fresh graduate of Charles-Ferdinand University, Jan Josef Rösler, and the author of the first European constitution, the famous Enlightenment personality abbé Piattoli, really have co-created a work of art in Prague in 1796? And what role did the supposed mother of Božena Němcová play in the story? How is the invention of lithography connected to Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Prague? These are not the only questions answered by five performances presenting the ideas and changing atmosphere of the period through music played on historical keyboard instruments. The commentary then connects its creators with artists, scientists and their supporters, just as they once met in the streets and salons of Prague.