Programme notes:

Tereza Jaďuďová (b. 2001)
String Quartet No. 2, Op. 42
Written in 2020

Tereza Jaďuďová’s String Quartet No. 2 continues her exploration of chamber textures with a work that balances lyrical intimacy and bold structural clarity. Written in March 2020 and dedicated to the Moyzes Quartet, the piece draws on traditional quartet writing while incorporating her own harmonic language, alternating warmth, tension, and playfulness.

I. 
The quartet opens with a broad Largo introduction, its solemn tone shaped by sustained harmonies and measured pacing. This leads into the Andante tranquillo, where a lyrical theme unfolds in long, flowing lines. The mood changes significantly as the Allegro non troppo begins: the texture becomes animated, with lively rhythmic figures and more assertive exchanges between instruments. The interplay of these contrasting sections establishes the movement’s dramatic scope, balancing gravitas with forward momentum.

II. 
The second movement moves with light rhythmic energy in pizzicati, balancing clarity of texture with moments of dramatic contrast.

III. 
Marked by its sustained and darker tone, this slow movement emphasizes rich sonority and expressive weight. The writing highlights the ensemble’s blended timbre, moving from hushed passages to more intense climaxes.

IV. 
The finale bursts with drive and rhythmic vigor. Quick exchanges between instruments create a sense of excitement, leading to a spirited conclusion that reaffirms the quartet’s energy and cohesion.