Programme notes:

Tereza Jaďuďová (b. 2001)
26 Etudes, Op. 12
Written in 2014-2015

Tereza Jaďuďová’s 26 Etudes form a deeply personal musical diary—each piece drawn from lived experience and named only after its emotional or narrative inspiration had crystallized. Though labeled “etudes,” these miniatures transcend their pedagogical function, merging technical exploration with rich expressive intent. The cycle encompasses a broad range of characters, moods, and styles—inviting listeners into a mosaic of inner reflections, memories, and fantasies.

No. 1 – The Victorious
Bold and driving, this opening etude sets a tone of triumph and determination. Accented rhythms and surging figures evoke the energy of overcoming a challenge.

No. 2 – The Humorous
A playful musical caricature. Unexpected accents, syncopations, and rhythmic surprises lend the piece its mischievous charm.

No. 3 – With a View of the Sea
Flowing and lyrical, this etude captures the gentle, expansive rhythm of ocean waves. Subtle rubato and phrasing evoke a contemplative seaside scene.

No. 4 – Prague’s
A love letter to the Czech capital, this piece blends nostalgia with grandeur. Fragmented motifs and dramatic shifts suggest a walk through Prague’s historic quarters.

No. 5 – A Return to the Memory
Quiet and introspective, this etude unfolds like a faded photograph—tender and tinged with melancholy. Harmonies shimmer with personal resonance.

No. 6 – The Oriental
Colorful modal inflections and exotic rhythms hint at imagined Eastern landscapes. This piece explores ornamentation and tonal color.

No. 7 – The Christmas’
Delicate and warm, this etude paints a musical Christmas card—glowing with childlike wonder, perhaps hinting at snowfall or candlelight.

No. 8 – Leeves on Trees
Gentle rustling textures and flowing arpeggios mimic leaves stirred by autumn wind. A study in lightness and pedal control.

No. 9 – Croatian
Dance-like and folk-inspired, this piece draws on rhythmic vitality and lyrical ornamentation suggestive of Balkan music.

No. 10 – A Storm
A torrent of sound and motion. Rapid repeated notes and aggressive figures create a thrilling musical thunderstorm.

No. 11 – The Flying
Airy and quicksilver, this etude evokes weightlessness. It is a celebration of velocity, light articulation, and upward motion.

No. 12 – The Unnamed
Mysterious and abstract, this piece defies easy classification. A freely unfolding narrative in sound, driven by inner emotion.

No. 13 – The Waving
Flowing triplets and oscillating figures mirror the gentle motion of waving—perhaps of a hand in farewell or of distant landscapes passing by.  A study in fluidity and grace.

No. 14 – With a Mission
Urgent and goal-driven, this etude features determined rhythmic patterns and a clear forward momentum. The music conveys focus, direction, and inner drive.

No. 15 – The Farewell
A poignant miniature, imbued with quiet sadness and acceptance. Subtle rubato and expressive voicing are key to its emotional depth.

No. 16 – The Tornado
Explosive and volatile, this etude is a whirlwind of notes and extreme dynamics. Technical brilliance meets raw energy.

No. 17 – The Memory
A lyrical reflection on something lost or cherished. This etude invites intimate expression and a soft touch.

No. 18 – The Last March
Processional in nature, yet tinged with weariness. This solemn etude evokes a farewell or an ending, its rhythm steady, its harmonies restrained.

No. 19 – With a Heart on My Hand
Tender and exposed, this piece feels like a musical confession. Its fragile textures suggest sincerity and vulnerability.

No. 20 – The Fighting
A rhythmic and dynamic battle, full of sharp contrasts. The etude pits opposing musical ideas against each other, embodying struggle and resistance.

No. 21 – A Fairytale
Delicate, imaginative, and a touch surreal. The music invites listeners into a world of dreams, mystery, and gentle magic.

No. 22 – The Melancholic
Built on descending lines and somber harmonies, this introspective etude allows space for expressive freedom and inner stillness.

No. 23 – Reverie
As its title suggests, this is a dreamlike, floating piece. Hazy textures and unresolved harmonies create a sense of timeless wonder.

No. 24 – The Funeral
Dark and solemn, this etude uses deep registers and weighted chords to evoke mourning. Its pacing is deliberate, its mood grave and respectful.

No. 25 – The Butterfly Waltz
Light and effervescent, this dance flutters through shifting harmonies and delicate leaps. A playful yet refined closing gesture before the finale.

No. 26 – The Final
The culmination of the set—resolute, emotional, and unifying. It revisits earlier emotional threads and seals the journey with a sense of completeness and hope.