Xaver Scharwenka

Though he did not receive formal piano training until his fifteenth year, Scharwenka became an active touring performer. After completing studies with Kullak at the New Academy of Music in Berlin, he was able to teach at the academy for approximately four years. In 1874 he began touring, something that did not cease until perhaps 1912-1914. Scharwenka toured Canada, the United States and Europe. In 1881 he opened his own academy and subsequently founded a branch of this conservatory in the United States. He composed and performed his own works and was fortunate to have his works played under the conducting of Richter and Joachim. His most quoted compositions include his "Piano Concerto in B-flat minor" and his "Polish Dance" (opus 3, no. 1). ~ Keith Johnson