Maria Shimanovskaya Virtuoso Polish pianist and composer. Date of Birth: 14.12.1789 Country: Poland

Biography of Maria Szymanowska

Maria Szymanowska was a virtuoso Polish pianist and composer. She received her education in piano and composition from Józef Elsner. In 1810, Maria gave her first public performances in Warsaw and Paris. That same year, she married landowner Józef Szymanowski. They had three children, but the marriage was unhappy for Maria as her husband disapproved of her musical career. They divorced in 1820, and Maria dedicated herself to piano compositions and chamber music. She only performed concerts for friends and guests. During this period, she became known for her famous "Vingt Exercices et Preludes" for piano and numerous songs she composed.

In 1822, after her initial concerts in Warsaw, Maria started touring accompanied by her three children. From 1823 to 1827, she traveled throughout Europe, giving concerts in Germany, England, France, Switzerland, Italy, and Russia. Maria Szymanowska was likely the first pianist to perform her own compositions from memory. In Berlin and London, she performed for royalty, and in Weimar, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe admired her talent.

In 1828, she was invited to serve as a court pianist and piano teacher in St. Petersburg. Her musical salon in St. Petersburg was frequented by many Polish and Russian artists and aristocrats. Polish poet Adam Mickiewicz married her daughter Celina. Maria Szymanowska died from cholera in St. Petersburg at the age of 41.

Maria Szymanowska left a profound impact on the culture of many countries. Goethe referred to her as a "captivating goddess of music," while Mickiewicz called her the "queen of sounds."