The fifth CD of the complete piano works of Bedřich Smetana (1824–1884) takes us back to the world of the composer’s student years (Smetana wrote all the featured – and surprisingly mature – pieces before he had reached the age of twenty).

He introduces himself as a passionate dancer. The polkas, so typical of Smetana, as well as gallopades, waltzes and quadrilles, bear witness to the hectic social and musical life he led during his studies in Prague and Plzeň, where he was a sought-after pianist and was able to intensively develop his talent.

The first preserved composition is the Louisen Polka, followed by the Georginen Polka and Aus dem Studentenleben (From Student Life). The three Impromptus (1841–42) and Bagatelles et Impromptus (1844) are the first attempts to create compositions of a more serious nature and reflect Smetana’s inspiration by his musical idols (Chopin, Liszt, Schumann).

Even though young and a self-taught pianist, these early works reveal Smetana as a singular and inspired composer. The dance-like vigour and simple tenderness of these miniatures are rendered by the energetic pianist Jitka Čechová with an admirable naturalness and grace.