Vítězslava Kaprálová was a prodigy, a pioneer, and a woman who dared to compose. Born in 1915 in Brno, she rose quickly through the musical ranks of Europe, becoming one of the first female conductors to lead the Czech Philharmonic. Her life was brilliant but heartbreakingly brief as she died at just 25, leaving behind a body of work that feels both defiant and intimate.

In this episode, we unravel Kaprálová’s story - her art, ambition, and the lingering sense of “what could have been.” Along the way, we’ll explore the socio-political minefield she navigated as a woman in music between two world wars, and the deep emotional currents running through her compositions.

This episode features the hauntingly beautiful Smutný večer (Sad Evening), performed by The Art Song Project, whose sensitive interpretation helps breathe life into one of Kaprálová’s most poignant pieces preformed by soprano Hélène Lindqvist and pianist Philipp Vogler. You can find their full recording and translation at:

https://theartsongproject.com/vitezslava-kapralova-studeny-vecer-cold-evening/

Also take a look at more of their works on the website: https://theartsongproject.com

✨New Episodes Every Monday✨

Let’s Get Social 📱

For more Classical Queens, follow us on: 

Video Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@ChordsandQueens

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chordsandqueens

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chordsandqueens?igsh=eGlkYWgyN3hmMnhm&utm_source=qr