Bohuslav Martinů composed Variation on a Slovak Folk Song for Cello and Piano at the close of his life in March 1959. The piece was premiered in Prague on October 17, 1959, performed by Alexander Vechtomov and Vladimir Topinka, i.e. about two month after Martinů’s death.
The basis of the composition is formed by the Slovak folk song Keby ja vedela (Had I known) which Martinů selected from the collection of folk songs published by Figuš and Bystrý. The interval of the extended fourth, typical of this song, became the main unifying element of the variations as a whole because it always comes to the fore in innumerable modifications of the basic melody. The introductory theme in F minor, which makes the quotation of the song idiomatic by transposing its second half one fourth higher, is followed by five variations. They do not merely treat the theme, but bring many new and very different musical passages. In them the theme or one of its parts is heard in a new form, often in a different key, rhythmically and melodically transposed. The basic contradiction in mood is manifested by continuous alternation of major and minor keys. In the end all is crowned by the fast final variation in the rejoicing E major key, which only highlights the good cheer and optimism radiating from the entire piece.
Jana Honzíková a Sandra Bergmannová, programme of the Bohuslav Martinů Festival's concert, 11. 12. 2000