Elegic Variations on a Theme by Kodály for Guitar and Viola was composed in 2026 for the Slovak String Duo. The work received its premiere on 20 May 2026 in Bratislava.
Built upon a theme on Zoltán Kodály’s famous Adagio for violin and piano, the composition unfolds through three contrasting variations connected by a deeply introspective atmosphere. A short viola cadenza serves as the emotional center of the work, allowing the instrument to emerge in a moment of solitary reflection before the final variation.
Throughout the piece, the guitar and viola engage in an intimate dialogue marked by lyrical phrasing, restrained expressivity, and a predominantly melancholic character. The variations explore different shades of elegiac expression while preserving the thematic unity and chamber intimacy that define the composition.