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Vítězslava Kaprálová



Vítězslava Kaprálová (1915–1940) was a rising star whose life was tragically cut short at the age of 25, but in that short span left behind a body of music that glows with individuality, confidence, and daring. Born in Brno, Czech Republic, she was both a composer and a conductor, trained by masters like Bohuslav Martinů and quickly recognized as one of the most promising talents of her generation.

Kaprálová’s music combines lyrical intensity with striking harmonic colors. She had a gift for weaving Czech folk influences into modern textures, creating music that feels deeply personal yet connected to her cultural roots. Beyond her compositions, she made history as one of the few women of her era to step onto the conductor’s podium, leading orchestras in Prague and Paris.

Her piano works shimmer with vitality. Pieces like the Dubnová preludia (April Preludes), Op. 13 reveal her fresh harmonic language, lyrical expressiveness, and rhythmic bite. These preludes are concise yet packed with personality, each one a glimpse into her creative spirit. 


The two-movement Sonata appassionata marks Kaprálová’s first major piano work, premiered in 1934. Even then, listeners recognized its exceptional quality. Today, it stands as one of the most remarkable contributions to Czech piano literature of the early twentieth century. Despite its significance, the piece remained unpublished for decades, until the Kaprálová Society in Toronto made the first critical edition possible, ensuring this extraordinary work could finally reach pianists and audiences worldwide.



Though her career was brief, Kaprálová achieved remarkable things: she was awarded the Smetana Prize, conducted the BBC Orchestra in London, and earned admiration from some of the most prominent composers of her time. Her partnership with Bohuslav Martinů was both personal and artistic, and while her life ended too soon, her influence continues to ripple through Czech music history.

Vítězslava Kaprálová reminds us that brilliance isn’t measured in years lived but in the impact of a voice that refuses to be forgotten. Her music for piano is fresh, colorful, and unapologetically bold, an invitation to pianists to celebrate a legacy of resilience and creativity.

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