Magdalena Majewska’s Paderewski, published by PWM as part of their “little monograph” series, was a huge hit with Polish readers almost as soon as it appeared in 2024. Now, thanks to editing assistance from the Polish Music Center, this entertaining little volume has been published in an English translation. This new version was officially introduced at a special ceremony organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at the Steinway Salon in Warsaw on September 18, and will be offered to passholders at the upcoming Paderewski Festival in Paso Robles.
Representing the Ministry was Anna Godlewska, Deputy Director of the Department of Public and Cultural Diplomacy who, along with the author, introduced and hosted the event. After a short discussion of the Paderewski biography and how it came about, it was time for noted pianist and Steinway Artist Marek Szlezer to take center stage. Alluding to a short video of Paderewski’s performance from his 1937 film, Moonlight Sonata, Szlezer began his program with admittedly one of Beethoven’s best-known piano sonatas, performing its three movements with his customary youthful energy and sparkle. Paderewski’s miniatures (the super-famous Menuet, Nocturne, Légende and Cracovienne fantastique) that followed were delivered by Szlezer with just the right measure of elegance and charm. The featured pianist’s program closed with a virtuoso rendition of two other Paderewski recital staples, Chopin’s Polonaises in A major, Op. 40 and A-flat major, Op. 53, the latter also memorably interpreted by Paderewski in his 1937 film.
Marcin Fidos who successfully holds the reins at the Steinway Salon in Warsaw, circulated amongst the event’s elite guests that included members of the Polish and foreign diplomatic corps, professors from the nearby Chopin Music University, and organizers of the Paderewski International Piano Competition in Bydgoszcz, among others. Refreshments were served directly after the concert, allowing the assembled public to exchange their impressions of the event and discuss the newly-minted English version of Majewska’s Paderewski, which was generously presented at the door to each attendee.