Běda

Written By Jacob Frost

for tenor saxophone and fixed media
completed March 2024
duration: 10’00”
commissioned by a consortium led by Aaron Burr

Program Note

English-language productions of Antonin Dvořák’s opera Rusalka face a conundrum regarding the translation of the Czech word “Běda,” which, set to a baroque sigh half-step motive, appears as a refrain throughout the opera. The word translates most directly to the English “alas,” which is unsuitable both for its vocal rhythm and for its archaic, almost humorous implications. Various productions have used the word “sorrow” or “woe,” neither of which captures the interjectory angst of the original. In my opinion, the word should remain untranslated – as in the title of this piece.

Many thanks to Aaron Burr, the leader of the consortium for this piece, and for all the consortium members who made this piece happen: Alexis Aguilar, Chris Dickhaus, Wade Dillingham, Sterling Fry, David Jones, Laurette Roddin, Rachel Wolz, and Ray Zepeda.

Performance History

  • October 31, 2025, The Davenport Grand (Spokane, WA). Performed by Aaron Burr as part of the College Music Society National Conference.

  • October 24, 2025, Indiana State University (Terre Haute, IN). Performed by Alexis Aguilar as part of the Indiana State University Contemporary Music Festival.

  • June 22, 2025, Fulton J. Sheen Center (New York City, NY). Performed by Laurette Roddin as part of the New York City Electroacoustic Music Festival.

  • June 9, 2025, Kings Dining and Entertainment (Boston, MA). Performed by Phillip Staudlin as part of the International Computer Music Conference.

  • April 5, 2025, Kansas City Kansas Community College (Kansas City, KS). Performed by Alexis Aguilar as part of Electronnic Music Midwest.

  • March 23, 2025, Spot Tavern (West Lafayette, IN). Performed by Sterling Fry as part of the Society for Electroacoustic Music in the United States National Conference.

  • March 7, 2025, Roosevelt University (Chicago, IL). Performed by Sterling Fry as part of the College Music Society Great Lakes Regional Conference.

  • April 12, 2024, William Jewell University (Liberty, MO). Performed by Aaron Burr.

Jacob Frost
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