Ivan Řezáč (born November 5, 1924 in Řevnice near Prague, † December 26, 1977 in Prague) was a Czech composer. Ivan Řezáč is one of many Eastern European composers who have been forgotten by the music world and are not perceived particularly in Western Europe. With his extensive work, Řezáč gives a good insight into the development of Czech music of the 20th century.
Ivan Řezáč was the son of the writers Václav Řezáč and Ema Řezáčova and had talent to various subjects including the literature. Professionally he devoted himself only to the music. He studied piano with František Rauch and composition with Václav Dobiáš at the Prague Academy of Music, where he worked as a teacher. From 1953 to 1969 he was an assistant, from 1969 to his life-changing lecturer at the Katheder for music theory. In the years 1968-76 he was the director of the orchestra of the Prague Symphonic Orchestra, under his guidance successful concert tours to the USA, then the USSR and several European countries and from this became a significant philharmonic institution.
Ivan Řezáč 's compositional work is based on the European musical tradition. An important role is played by polyphonic thinking. His scores reflect the thorough knowledge of the works of leading composers from all over the world. In his works, Řezáč links musical developments of different composers and thus creates a very personal style. He always endeavored to musically respond to today's life situation and to reflect the developments of society. His analytical abilities, however, did not lead him to ossified scientific music. On the contrary: Řezáč's compositions convey a feeling of spontaneity and shake people to take responsibility.
Ivan Řezáč's work as a composer was especially appreciated in the last years of his life. In 1973 he received the first prize for his Duo for Cello and Piano in the competition Mouvement Beethoven. His opera, Theodor Mundstock, which is concerned with the occupation of the then Czechoslovakia in the Second World War, still awaits its premiere. Ivan Řezáč is published by the Czech publishing house Panton, which has now been incorporated by Schott Musik International. Many of his works are available as CD recordings.