Jaromír Weinberger (1896-1967) was a Czech-born composer whose career later took him to the United States. Born in Prague, he achieved international success in the interwar years.

His best-known work is the opera Švanda dudák, known in English as Schwanda the Bagpiper, especially its lively Polka and Fugue. He also wrote operettas, orchestral music and other stage works.

Weinberger’s music is colourful, theatrical and rhythmically buoyant, often drawing on Czech melodic and dance character. It combines professional polish with immediate stage appeal.

His reputation declined sharply after emigration, but the best of his music retains charm and energy. Weinberger’s Schwanda still dances with boots, pipes and a very quick wink.