Zuzana Růžičková

Czech Harpsichordist and Interpreter of Baroque Music

Zuzana Růžičková was a renowned Czech harpsichordist, celebrated for her interpretations of Baroque music, particularly the works of Johann Sebastian Bach. Born on January 14, 1927, in Plzeň, Czechoslovakia, she survived the horrors of the Holocaust during World War II and went on to build a distinguished career in music. Růžičková became the first harpsichordist to record Johann Sebastian Bach's complete works for keyboard, a monumental achievement that brought her international acclaim. Her discography includes notable albums such as "Variations Goldberg (BWV 988)" and "The Well-Tempered Clavier," which showcase her expertise and deep understanding of Bach's compositions. Over the course of her career, she performed across the globe and educated numerous students, passing on her passion for the harpsichord and Baroque music. Her life and legacy were captured in the documentary "Zuzana: Music Is Life - A Story Of Love, Tyranny And Triumph," which tells the story of her artistic journey against the backdrop of the political turmoil of the 20th century. Zuzana Růžičková passed away on September 27, 2017, leaving behind a rich legacy as one of the foremost harpsichordists of her time.