Born into a farming family in Moravia, a region rich in folk songs, he grew up in a musically privileged environment. It is said that in his childhood, he played among the musical ensemble to which his parents belonged. From 1914, he studied composition under Novák at the Prague Conservatory, subsequently continuing his studies with Schreker in Vienna and Busoni in Berlin. Around 1920, he began composing with microtones. His inclination towards microtones is likely a significant factor stemming from his early familiarity with folk song modes. He composed and presented works such as the opera "Mother" and string quartets. After World War II, he took up a teaching position at a music school and held important posts in the Czech Composers' Association, contributing to music education until his later years.