Programme notes:

Tereza Jaďuďová (b. 2001)
SEVDALINKI
Written in 2023

Sevdalinka is a unique folk song tradition of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The word sevdah, from Arabic, roughly means “love longing.” Musically, sevdalinkas are distinguished by a slow to moderate pace (often changing within a song), rich melismatic ornamentation, and a deeply melancholic atmosphere. Their modal language often draws on minor modes, particularly the Phrygian, and on Turkish makams, with their characteristic augmented seconds. Traditionally sung solo, sometimes with one instrumental accompaniment, sevdalinkas carry a direct, intimate emotional weight.

In Sevdalinki, Jaďuďová applies the principles of this tradition to a cello–guitar duo. The cello embodies the plaintive, vocal line; the guitar provides the accompaniment. Roles shift fluidly throughout the twelve miniatures, creating a rich interplay of colour and gesture.

The twelve movements take their cue from Sarajevo’s history, each a miniature portrait evoking a place, figure, or memory:

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1. Muezzin – Mujezin

A muezzin is a servant of a mosque who calls Muslims to prayer multiple times a day from the minaret (tower) through the recitation of the adhan (call to prayer). Today, in many places, his role has been replaced by speakers.

2. Caravan – Karavana

A caravan is a group of people, often accompanied by animals (camels, donkeys), who travel through a country, usually for trade. Caravans were widespread, especially in the past, as they provided one of the few means of transporting goods between distant places.

3. Madrasa and Şadırvan – Medresa i šadrvan

A madrasa is a higher Islamic religious school, commonly established near a mosque. Şadırvan is a type of fountain found in the courtyards of mosques, madrasas, and other religious sites. It serves for drinking, ritual cleansing, and also as a decoration with a soothing visual and auditory ambiance.

4. Gazi Husrev Bey – Gazi Husrev Beg

Gazi Husrev Bey (1480-1541) was a multiple-time sanjak bey (governor) of Bosnia. As a loyal servant (and through the female line, a relative) of Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent, he participated in many military campaigns in Europe, including the Battle of Mohács. He contributed to the development of Sarajevo and its surroundings by financing the construction of a mosque, madrasa, library, and bazaar (bezistan) named after him.

5. Miljacka

Miljacka is a small river that flows through Sarajevo. It is lined with several historically significant bridges. It flows into the Bosna River northeast of the city. In 1914, the assassins attempted unsuccessfully to drown themselves in it.

6. Džezva and Fildžani – Džezva i filidžani

Bosnian coffee is known worldwide. It has its specific preparation, strong flavor, and also a coffee set.

7. War in Bosnia and Herzegovina – Rat u Bosni i Hercegovini

The war took place from 1992 to 1995. Statistics indicate that during the siege of Sarajevo, 12,000 inhabitants lost their lives.

8. Bazaar – Bazar

A bazaar is a marketplace in Oriental countries. This term became known in Central and Western Europe in connection with covered markets, primarily from the Ottoman Empire.

9. Sad Memory after the Assassination of Franz Ferdinand – Tužno sjećanje nakon atentata na Franju Ferdinanda

On June 28, 1914, an assassination took place in Sarajevo by a member of the organization Young Bosnia (Gavrilo Princip), which later served as a pretext for the start of World War I.

10. Vrelo Bosne

Vrelo Bosne is a natural reserve where the Bosna River originates. It is located near Sarajevo and is a popular recreational area.

11. Baščaršija

Baščaršija (meaning „Main Market“) in the center of Sarajevo is an old bazaar from Ottoman times. The district was established during the founding of the city by Isa-Beg Isahović. It houses all the important landmarks, named after Gazi Husrev Bey: a mosque, madrasa, library, bezistan (covered market), as well as a clock tower and Morića Han (inn).

12. Sebilj

Sebilj is a wooden fountain (symbol of the city) located in the historic part of Baščaršija in Sarajevo. Legend has it that a visitor who drinks from this fountain will return to Sarajevo one day. (confession/wish)

The cycle is dedicated to the composer’s grandmother, whose father came from Sarajevo—a personal connection that shapes this musical homage, both intimate and historically resonant.

Premiere:

30/04/2024, Bratislava (Slovakia), Dom Albrechtovcov (House of Albrecht).

Performers: cello – Petr Nouzovský, guitar – Adam Svitač

Premiéry | Sound & Word #2 (nsh.komorne)