B. Smetana – Bagatelles et Impromptus, JB

0:00 – 1. Nevinnost (Innocence)
1:44 – 2. Sklíčenost (Dejection)
2:45 – 3. Idyla (Idyll)
3:50 – 4. Touha (Longing)
6:05 – 5. Radost (Happiness)
6:53 – 6. Pohádka (Fairy Tale)
9:28 – 7. Láska (Love)
11:41 – 8. Nesvár (Quarrel)

Given that Bagatelles et Impromptus were composed before Smetana reached the age of twenty, they are surprisingly mature works. The set drew its inspiration from his love for Kateřina Kolářová, his future first wife. It follows the circle of fifths – each of the pieces progresses in major and minor parallel keys (C major, A minor, G major, E minor, D major, B minor, A major, F-sharp minor). Although the pieces are often tackled by intermediate pianists because of their length and relatively low physical demands, the layout of the cycle as well as little room for superficiality make it a tricky one to perform.

Composer – Bedřich Smetana (1824–1884)
Piano – Miroslav Sekera
Year of recording – 2020

Upload authorized by Supraphon and Miroslav Sekera, sheet music is public domain.

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