Although the Piano Trio was successful, Smetana felt that his efforts did not receive enough appreciation to encourage further compositions. However, a significant mark of respect came in January 1856, when he was chosen over the famous Alexander Dreyschock to perform Mozart's Piano Concerto in D minor at the composer's centennial celebration. Despite this recognition and a substantial income from his institute and private lessons, Smetana was keenly aware that the artistic, political, and social climate for Czech cultural life was bleak. In the same year, Josef Kajetán Tyl—a popular dramatist, author of the national anthem's lyrics, and tireless promoter of Czech theater—passed away. Soon after, Smetana's friend Havlíček—the first liberal leader of the Czechs, a poet, and author of biting epigrams—died as well, indirectly tortured to death by Austrian authorities. The restrictions of Czech cultural and political activities continued to intensify.

When Alexander Dreyschock returned to Prague from his concert tour in Scandinavia, he recounted his triumphs and mentioned being asked to recommend a skilled piano teacher for Göteborg, Sweden. Smetana decided to try his luck in the Scandinavian city. Contrary to previous beliefs, it is now evident that he had not secured a definite position before his arrival. However, it was known that Mrs. Dickson, the wife of a wealthy Göteborg businessman, had asked Dreyschock to find someone capable of raising the standard of piano performance and enriching the city's musical life. Acting entirely on his own initiative and without any commitments, Smetana accepted the challenge. There were rumors suggesting that Dreyschock might have sought to eliminate a potential rival—a notion Smetana himself hinted at, possibly fueled by the common jealousy among virtuosi.