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29 march 2024
Time 10:09

Ignacy Jan Paderewski

PatronHe was born on November 6, 1860 in the village of Kuryłówka in the province of Podolia (at that time in Russian Empire, at present in Ukraine). His mother Poliksena - a daughter of the professor at the University of Vilnus- died a few months after the birth of the son. His father Jan - a minor nobleman and a participant of the January Uprising - took care of the son's education.

During the years 1872-1878 I. Paderewski studied in Warsaw Conservatorium (The Institute of Music). He was a very gifted student and he could play many musical instruments. Initially he was expected to become a composer, but finally he decided to be a professional pianist. After graduation, he was a tutor of grand piano classes at his alma mater for 3 years.

In 1880 his wife - Antonia Korsakówna, died leaving a little son. Paderewski, then at the age of 20, felt very deeply the loss of the beloved person. He endured intense suffering and decided to face adversities.

In 1881 Paderewski started his studies of music composition under the tutelage of F. Kiel and H. Urban in Berlin. From1884 to 1886 he continued his piano studies in Vienna, where he was a pupil of T. Leszetycki.

It was in Vienna that he made his musical debut in 1887, followed by appearances in Paris (1889) and London (1890). All his performances were tremendous successes. Paderewski gave numerous concerts in Europe, North and South America, Africa, and even in Australia. He was a prolific composer. His most famous piano pieces include "Fantastic Cracovienne for Modrzejewska"; "Minuet for Chałubiński", and also "Polish Dances"; "Elegy"; "Fantasies on Polish issues"; "Grand Piano Variations" and others. All of his compositions entered the canon of the world culture.

I. J. Paderewski was not only a renowned musician but also a patriotic activist. It was thanks to his contribution that the western empires acknowledged the necessity of the formation of the independent country of Poland (June 3, 1918). Also, as a Polish representative (1918), he influenced the decisions of the peace treaty with Germany, which were rather beneficial for Poland.
Moreover, he co-organised voluntary Polish troops in the USA. His arrival in Poznań in 1918 triggered the outbreak of the Greater Poland Uprising.

Paderewski was decorated many a time for his achievements; for instance, he received the Officier medal of the French "Legion d'honneur" (League of Honour) and the Order of British Empire.

I. J. Paderewski died on June 29, 1941 in New York. In 1992 his ashes were brought to Poland and laid in St. John's Cathedral in Warsaw.
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