When we think today of the legacy of Leoš Janáček (1854-1928), it is the masterpieces which he penned in the last period of his life that most readily come into mind, notably Jenůfa and his other major operas, the string quartets and the Glagolitic Mass. However, the staple repertoire for string orchestra includes Janáček’s exquisitely-crafted youthful compositions: Suite and Idyll. Janáček was inspired by Tolstoy’s novella The Kreutzer Sonata in his piano trio (1908), a piece which has survived in an incomplete shape and which was said not to have satisfied the composer. Tolstoy’s narrative concentrates on three emotions: the admiration over music, sexual desire and the frenzy of jealousy. All these emotions find their reflection in Janáček’s music. Beethoven is also present here: the second theme of his Sonata in A major ‘Kreutzer’ is quoted in the third movement and allusions to Beethoven are evident also in the first movement. Like his youthful orchestral works, this late ‘opera without words’ has earned a lasting place in the concert repertoire, testifying to the extraordinary, unique talent of Leoš Janáček.