Josef Suk (Jan. 4, 1874 - May 29, 1935) was a Czech composer and violinist, who began his musical training at an early age. He learned the violin, organ, and piano from his father, and then went on to study composition, with his most famous teacher being Antonin Dvořák. Suk and Dvořák became close, trusted friends, and eventually Suk married Dvořák's  daughter, Otilie.

In 1905, a few month's after Dvořák's death, Suk began work on his Asrael Symphony. This funeral symphony was named after the Old Testament angel of death, Asrael, and was meant as a mourning and celebration of Dvořák's life.  Tragedy struck, however, in the middle of working on it, and Otilie, Suk's wife, passed away. From then on, Suk rejected the optimistic tone of the work; he was understandably devastated.

Asrael Symphony is a five movement work, divided in to two parts. The first three movements (andante sostenuto, andante, vivace) is part one, with an adagio and adagio e maestoso making up the second part.

In part one, themes of struggle (between life and death) and loss are woven throughout, by with a somber opening cello line that sets the mood. Drama, deep despair, and grief are portrayed at various times by different sections; aching violin lines, pounding drums, and brass climaxes.

Part two was dedicated to Otilie, and the sweet remembrance of her in this part is obviously clouded with much pain and desolation. There is a tenderness throughout that then has to face the harsh reality of loss, and wrestle with questions of life and death. Listening to this symphony yields quite the emotional journey, to say the least. It is an exemplary display of a man's heart, using his musical skill as the medium.

Here are some recordings of this moving symphony that you might enjoy:

Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra
Czech Philharmonic Orchestra
National Orchestra of Belgium