UE16789
"Adagio" is a little-known composition, written around 1891. Due to the motivic affinity of this composition with Janáček's early opera "Šárka", some think it was probably a prelude. But the work, which only has a short two-bar motive in common with the "Šárka", certainly has no closer connection with this tragic stage work. However, it can be assumed that it arose from a direct experience of the composer, through the death of his little son Vladimir. The character of the composition is therefore tragically gloomy. The chosen key in D Minor also underlines the tragic mood. It is certainly not uninteresting that this is the only instance in Janáček's entire oeuvre in which this key is used.