Leoš Janáček’s (1854~1928) work “Pohádka” for cello and piano written in 1910 was inspired by the poem “The Tale of Czar Berendey” written by Vasili Andreyvitch Zhukóvsky(1783-1852). There are two contrast melodic motives, lyric and rhythmic, which respectively represent two important characters— Ivan and Marya. The cello represents Ivan’s voice throughout the composition, while the piano represents Marya’s voice. Janáček combined these two instruments artfully to create a poetic atmosphere.

This thesis is divided into six chapters. Chapter 1 deals with my research motivation, purpose, scope and methods. Chapter 2 introduces Janáčeks’ biography and his important works, and the background of “Pohádka”. Chapter 3 focuses on the music structure of this work including the analysis of subject motives, rhythms, time signatures, whole-tone scales, and harmonies etc. In Chapter 4, I will explain how Janáček integrate the poem “The Tale of Czar Berendey” into “Pohádka”. Chapter 5 shows how I interpret this work with my observation on the changing of dynamic and rhythm and the use of subjects relating to the literature. In the last chapter, I will conclude with my understanding toward this work which helps me to get more ideas and brings me closer to the music.