Smetana: Piano Works

Bedřich Smetana, considered the father of Czech music, was a pioneer in developing a national style that reached its peak in his popular symphonic cycle “Má vlast.” The “Czech Dances,” composed after he lost his hearing, are Smetana’s last major piano works. The first book, distinguished by its unique character and inventiveness, elevates the modest polka to the level achieved by Frédéric Chopin with his mazurkas, while the second book was inspired by the old Moravian and Bohemian dances that Smetana heard performed by his neighbor, a local amateur violinist. The piano sonata in G minor, characterized by the harmonic richness of Franz Liszt, combines Romantic expressiveness with mischievous humor. South Korean pianist Bogang Hwang graduated from Sunhwa Arts High School, where she won the award for outstanding achievement three years in a row and was a recipient of the Sunhwa Piano Society scholarship before completing her bachelor’s studies with Ick-Choo Moon at Seoul National University. She is currently studying with Fabio Bidini at the Colburn School Conservatory of Music. Her festival appearances include the Ravinia Festival and the Norfolk Chamber Music Festival.