This paper presents an examination of the art songs of Czech composer Vítězslava Kaprálová (January 24, 1915 - June 16, 1940) through detailed analysis of selected works. Kaprálová created a unique character for each of her art songs, with careful attention to idiomatic declamation and syllable stress, tone-painting in the accompaniments, and the use of primarily "post-impressionistic" stylistic techniques. Most importantly, this study focuses on the fact that her composition was firmly rooted in the text, and that her choice and adaptation of text convey important autobiographical motivation as well as insight into her character and personality.

The aim of my thesis is to present the personality of Vítězslava Kaprálová and her work both in a broad contemporary context and in connection with the events and turning points in various stages of her life, with which her work is closely linked. By the charachterization of nature and emotionaly tense moments in her life, I have tried to outline the specific of her musical way of expressing in particular creative stages. I pay much attention to piano creation that is the closest to me account that my field of study. A brief analysis of individual pieces is completed with music examples. The fourth chapter of the diploma thesis deals with interpretative issues of the composer's piano works. The most important artists of Mrs Kaprálová's work are presented in the conclusion.