From my life.

ZDENĚK ŠTĚPÁNEK (*22 September 1896 – † 21 June 1968) was a prominent figure in all areas of the dramatic arts. A list of his theatre, film, radio and television roles would fill a substantial publication. And then there is another notable area, which is Štěpánek's devoted service to non-dramatic literature, poetry, prose, and commentary texts, an activity known both from his work in front of the microphone and from hundreds of appearances on various occasions. The archives of the radio, film, television, Supraphon, the Prague Theatre of Music and other institutions provide a wealth of evidence of Štěpánek's love and rare understanding with which he approached the recitation of text. It would be a shame if this great wealth were not made available in a selection for lovers of the spoken word... The recordings that make up our title are from 1954–1965, dedicated to both poetry and prose readings. Štěpánek's interpretation is unmistakable, giving the read text and poetry exactly what it needs – human understanding and life experience, wisdom, and persuasiveness.