Zarzycki, Aleksander 1834 - 1895
Author: PWM Edition
Last updated：September 20, 2022
Author: PWM Edition
Aleksander Zarzycki
(1834 Lwów [Poland] – 1895 Warsaw [Poland])
Aleksander Zarzycki was a Polish pianist, composer, educator, and conductor. Born in Lwów (now Lviv, Ukraine), he began studying piano with Józef Kesseler from an early age. After graduating from gymnasium, he went abroad, studying piano in Berlin with Rudolf Viole, one of Liszt's pupils, and composition in Paris with Napoléon Henri Reber and in Leipzig with Carl Reinecke.
While still a student, in 1856, he undertook his first concert tour with violinist Nikodem Biernacki, visiting Poland and Romania. By this time, Zarzycki was already recognized as a highly talented pianist with a promising future. In 1860, Zarzycki made his Paris debut, followed by concert tours through Germany, Austria, and England. His repertoire included Adolf von Henselt's Piano Concerto in F minor, works by Fryderyk Chopin, and his own solo compositions.
In 1866, he returned permanently to Poland and settled in Warsaw. Subsequently, he held various positions, including President of the Warsaw Music Society, Director of the Music School (later the Fryderyk Chopin University of Music), and Choirmaster of St. John's Cathedral. Through his efforts, he was able to bring a faculty of teachers, including Ignacy Jan Paderewski, to the Warsaw Conservatory.
Zarzycki's compositions primarily focused on piano solo pieces inspired by Chopin's works, in addition to which he also left behind works for piano and violin, works for piano and orchestra, and songs in the style of Stanisław Moniuszko.
Zarzycki died in Warsaw in 1895.
Author : Saitoh, Noriko
Last Updated: October 1, 2008
[Open]
Author : Saitoh, Noriko
Polish composer. Also active as a pianist. After studying piano in Berlin, he studied composition in Paris under Reinecke and others. He held concerts in various parts of Poland, as well as in Germany, Austria, and England. He was involved in the establishment of the Warsaw Music Society and served as its first president. In his later years, he became the music director of the Warsaw Music School. He strove to improve the quality of the curriculum and other aspects, and employed Paderewski. Zajitsuki, who became the choirmaster of St. John's Cathedral from 1879, also personally conducted the student orchestra of the Warsaw Music School. His works largely consist of salon pieces.
Works(15)
Concerto (2)
Piano Solo (6)
waltz (3)