Mirka Viitala yhdistää esikoislevyllään Pariisissa syntyneen Lili Boulangerin (1893-1918) ja tsekkiläisen Vítězslava Kaprálován (1915-1940) pianoteoksia. Tutkiessaan kyseisten säveltäjien historiaa ja musiikkia, Mirka löysi molemmista huomattavan paljon yhtäläisyyksiä niin musiikin kuin historioidensa puolesta.

Despite her tragically brief life, Vítezslava Kaprálová is now considered the most important female Czech composer of the 20th century, her prolific output abundant with fresh and bold ideas, passion, tenderness and youthful energy. This in-depth exploration, representing some of the very best of her music, includes early gems such as the April Preludes, the exquisite and sophisticated Variations, the remarkable Sonata appassionata and her final Dance for piano, reconstructed by Giorgio Koukl from its only surviving sketch.

This fascinating collection of rare and distinctive piano works, from the 18th century to the present, is inspired by stories of how women composers created music while meeting the expectations of family and society. Hiroko Ishimoto brings together a remarkably varied programme including works by Ana Bon who was ‘chamber music virtuosa’ at the Prussian court of King Frederick the Great, the bold harmonies of Vítĕzslava Kaprálová (a student of Martinů), as well as pieces by Amy Beach based on the calls of the hermit thrush, and so much more.

Leonie Karatas' debut album is dedicated to the solo work of the Czech composer Vitezslava Kaprálová and is the prelude to a series of further recordings which will be dedicated to the work of individual female composers.

Despite her tragically early death at the age of 25, Vítězslava Kaprálová left a portfolio of more than 50 works of the highest craftsmanship and inspiration. This selection of her orchestral music, recorded at the Kaprálová Festival in Michigan, includes the work that won her international esteem in 1938, the Military Sinfonietta. Abounding in youthful energy and brilliant colours, the Piano Concerto marries virtuosity with lyricism, while the orchestral songs are both atmospheric and striking.