Ignacy Jan Paderewski

A legendary virtuoso pianist in the great romantic tradition; also a philanthropist and Polish patriot. Several times Paderewski interrupted his concert career to serve Poland, first in 1919 to serve as Prime Minister, then in 1940 to serve as President of the Polish Parliament in exile in Paris. His piano compositions give insight into the last vestiges of the virtuoso who composed music for his own use. ~ Mary K. Scanlan