As you ascend the historic steps of Staré Zamecké Schody on your way to the majestic Prague Castle, you are greeted by the serene figure of Karel Hašler, immortalized in bronze, strumming his guitar. This statue is not just a mere decoration; it is a tribute to one of the Czech Republic’s most beloved songwriters and performers.
Karel Hašler was born on October 31, 1879, in Prague. Initially trained as a glove-maker, Hašler’s passion for theatre and music soon led him to a career in the performing arts. He became a prominent figure in the Czech cultural scene as a songwriter, actor, playwright, and director. His songs, often imbued with national pride, became immensely popular, resonating with the Czech people during times of political turmoil and war.
The statue at Staré Zamecké Schody serves as a poignant reminder of Hašler’s contributions to Czech culture and his resistance against oppression. During World War II, he performed patriotic and anti-German songs, which eventually led to his arrest by the Gestapo. He was tragically murdered in the Mauthausen concentration camp in 1941
Hašler’s artistic output was prolific, with over 300 compositions to his name. His songs, such as “Ta naše písnička česká” (Our Czech Song) and “Svoboda” (Freedom), have become beloved national treasures. Many of his compositions, which he often performed in Prague’s cabarets, have transcended their origins to become folk songs deeply embedded in the Czech collective memory.
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