BACKGROUND TO… Kaprálová’s

April Preludes

The Dubnová Preludia, Op. 13 are typical of Vítˇezslava Kaprálová’s innovative style and a cornerstone of her piano repertoire. Written for pianist Rudolf Firkušný, one of many champions of the Czech-born composer’s music, the four-part work features daring harmonic combinations. It was written in 1937, just three years before her untimely death; the composer (and aspiring conductor) soon moved to Paris, where she studied with Martinu˚ and Charles Munch. Though written for Firkušný, it was premiered by pianist Dana Šetková.