Ignacy Jan Paderewski
(1860 - 1941)
Ignacy Jan Paderewski
(1860 - 1941)
Ignacy Jan Paderewski was born in Kurylowka, in an area annexed by Russia following the partition of Poland (presently in the Ukraine). He became one of the great piano virtuosos of his era, a composer, and a tireless political activist campaigning for Poland's independence, a philanthropist and a statesman with international impact.
On 22nd February, 1916, he gave a recital for President Woodrow Wilson of the USA at the White House, during which he delivered a speech about Poland's plight. He was asked for more material about Poland and for arguments for her restoration as a sovereign nation.
In December 1918, he returned to Poland to a hero's welcome. Marshal Piłsudski asked him to become Poland's Prime Minister and Foreign Minister. In the latter capacity, he represented Poland at the Versailles Peace Conference and was a co-signatory on Poland's behalf of the Peace treaty. In 1920 he resigned his political offices and resumed his musical career.
On the outbreak of the Second World War, he became head of the National Council in Exile. He passed away in New York on 29th June, 1941 and was buried in the Arlington National Cemetery, by a special act of Congress.
When Poland regained her freedom following the fall of Communism, his remains were returned to Poland and were re-interred in Warsaw's St. John's Cathedral. This was his wish - that his body be returned to a free and Independent Poland.
We are privileged to present to you these original recordings of the Maestro at the Piano.
Chopin
- Etude, Op. 25, No. 8 in D flat
Recorded May 12th, 1924
Chopin - Etude, Op. 25, No. 9 in G flat (Butterfly)
Recorded May 12th, 1924
Chopin - Etude, Op. 10, No. 3 in E major
Recorded December 13th, 1926
Chopin - Nocturne, Op. 15, No. 2 in F sharp
Recorded August 18th, 1927
Chopin - Sonata No. 2, Op. 35 - Funeral March III - Lento
Recorded May 24th, 1928
Chopin - Sonata No. 2, Op. 35 - Funeral March IV - Presto
Recorded May 24th, 1928
Chopin - Polonaise, Op. 53 in A flat - Heroic
Recorded January 30th, 1937
Paderewski - Minuet, Op. 14, No. 1 in G major
Recorded January 30th, 1937
Links to Web sites about Paderewski
Poland in the Classroom - Ignacy Jan Paderewski
Paderewski (Polish American Center)
Link to Film of Paderewski at the unveiling of the Grunwald memorial in Kraków, 1910