Tomasek was one of the most influential Czech composers and teachers during the early to mid nineteenth century. He not only affected his students, like Vorisek, Kittl and Hanslick but also the music of Schubert. Remaining outside of the conventional musical circles of Prague, Tomasek's home and school, which he founded, became the centers of the musical life of Prague. He was considered one of the foremost musical teachers during the century. Early compositions follow the paths of Mozart whom Tomasek greatly admired but his later works extend beyond that model. His piano works, particularly short pieces like the dithyrambs, ecologues and rhapsodies are purely Romantic some for amateurs progressing to fully engaged virtuostic pieces. Setting Goethe's works to music established a continuing correspondence between the two artists. At least forty one of Goethe's poems and literary devices were set by Tomasek. He also scored works by Schiller and other poets of the century. Though is works allude to Czech nationalism, Tomasek's intent was never political. He traveled to the country to visit with his brother, a priest, thus obtaining some of the rural and folkish attitudes occasionally found in his music. ~ Keith Johnson, Rovi