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"Some two thirds of his [Smetana’s] output is for the piano, and there are some extraordinarily challenging works, both musically and technically, many of which are to be found in this wonderful selection of pieces performed here by Kathryn Stott… It would be wonderful if Stott might follow up the success of this disc with one devoted to these most engaging of Smetana’s keyboard works [Polkas] and the dance form with which he is most associated. For all the Lisztian qualities of much of Smetana’s piano works, it is here that he seems most at home. Jan Smaczny’s programme notes are first-rate." - International Record Review Kathryn Stott's interest in Czech music stems from a long collaboration with the Czech string quartet the Skampa Quartet. Kathy decided to record some of Smetana's more substantial works for solo piano rather than an exclusive selection of 'miniatures'. Smetana was a prolific writer for the piano and this disc presents an unusual cross-section of pieces, most of which date from his later life. The disc takes its title from a cycle of six character pieces, Dreams, which were written after the on-set of deafness. Among other works the disc also offers two polkas, the Fantasia on Czech Folksongs, the Concert Etude in C major, and an arrangement of Schubert's song Der Neugierige. Kathryn Stott plays Smetana with great flair and versatility.