Programme notes:

Tereza Jaďuďová (b. 2001)
4 Romances, Op. 46
Written in 2020

In her 4 Romances, Tereza Jaďuďová sets poetry by Janko Jesenský with sensitivity to the natural rhythm and intonation of the Slovak language. Each song captures a distinct poetic mood—sometimes intimate, sometimes playful, sometimes tinged with melancholy. The piano writing provides both atmospheric colour and expressive dialogue with the vocal line, maintaining balance between text clarity and musical richness.

No. 1 – Ja z jednej lásky…
Opening the cycle, this Andante sostenuto unfolds with lyricism and restraint. The vocal line moves with a bit frivolic, arching phrases, supported by a gentle piano accompaniment that underlines the emotional sincerity of the text.

No. 2 – Že v piesňach…
Marked Allegretto scherzando, the second romance sparkles with rhythmic vitality. Playful exchanges between voice and piano mirror the poem’s lively spirit, bringing a light-hearted contrast to the set.

No. 3 – Sibírska noc
In Moderato, the mood shifts to a more contemplative tone. The piano evokes an expansive, wintry landscape, while the voice delivers the text with a sense of stillness and quiet intensity, matching the imagery of the “Siberian night.”

No. 4 – Išiel som ja…
The final romance, beginning Tranquillo and later moving to Andante marziale, has a narrative and almost processional character. The vocal line flows steadily, while the piano alternates between lyrical passages and firmer rhythmic gestures, bringing the cycle to a poised and reflective close.