Intimate Studies is the innovative debut release from Czech pianist Lada Valešová who developed a fresh and intriguing programme of works that link both teacher and student alike during the early part of the 20th century. The CD features 20th century piano music composed by four of her native country’s leading composers: “In the Mist” (Janácek), “Suite for Piano Op.13” and “Allegro Moderato” (Haas), “Film en Miniature H.148” (Martinu) and “Spring Op.22a” (Suk).

Of particular note is the performance of a rare collection of eleven tone poems and studies, some complete miniature works, some unfinished kernels of ideas written by Janacek under the collected title: “Intimate Studies”.

Born in Pilsen in the Western part of the Czech Republic, Lada Valešová is a graduate of the Prague Conservatoire, Prague Music Academy and Guildhall School of Music and Drama (where she is now a professor). Lada has won many prizes including two awards at the International Smetana Piano Competition. Her teachers include the Russian pianist and pedagogue Valentina Kameníková and Eugene Indjic, the outstanding pianist and pupil of Arthur Rubinstein. Her playing has received high recognition from various artists including the late Sir George Solti, and she has had the honour of working with Galina Vishnevskaja and Mstislav Rostropovich.