Born in Warsaw, Dec 14, 1789
Died in St Petersburg, July 25, 18311
- Maria Szymanowska (pronounced “shim-ah-nof-ska;” IPA: ʂɨmaˈnɔfska) was a Polish composer and piano virtuoso who made a significant contribution to 19th-century Polish repertoire. She composed over 100 pieces, most of which were for the piano.
- Fun fact – Szymanowska introduced nocturnes to Poland, so she provided the developmental link between John Field, the originator of the genre, and Frédéric Chopin.
- In addition to composing, Szymanowska was also a highly acclaimed concert pianist and spent many years touring around Europe. In 1922, she became “First Pianist” at the Russian Imperial court.
- In 1928, the composer settled in St. Petersburg where she continued to give concerts, teach, and host salons attracting the city’s artistic and social elite.2
Sources
- Zofia Chechlińska, “Szymanowska [née Wołowska], Maria Agata,” Grove Music Online (2001), Accessed August 17, 2022, https://www.oxfordmusiconline.com/grovemusic/view/10.1093/gmo/9781561592630.001.0001/omo-9781561592630-e-0000027327.
- Ibid.