What do you think?
Rate this book
Paderewski
Book by Zamoyski, Adam
289 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1982
23 people are currently reading
95 people want to read
About the author
Adam Zamoyski
27 books309 followersA historian and a member of the ancient Zamoyski family of Polish nobility. Born in New York City and raised in England. He is Chairman of the Board of the Princes Czartoryski Foundation. On June 16, 2001, in London, England, he married the artist Emma Sergeant.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
August 2, 2024
Paderewski was one of the best Polish pianists, but his compositions didn’t last as long as Chopin’s did. During his time, he was many things: the archetype of the pianist, the epitome of the flamboyant Pole, and a Mosaic leader of his people. He was also the celebrity of the best kind, but in reality the public knew very little about him.
In this biography, the author Adam Zamoyski, delves into research what was held back and why? It turns into something of the detective story as Paderewski “was secretive and confided in very few people; they have confided in nobody.”
The author’s quest turns rewarding and reveals an intimate image of a man with his emotions and problems who was a natural born pianist, and who later used his talent in convincing people on the political platform. It was his childhood dream to help his country, which at the time was partitioned under three neighboring countries. After achieving musical success and having voice to spread his message, he began his patriotic outlook.
His musical career prepared him well for the role of moral leader and advocate of a community. His determination had been tried by the struggle to become a virtuoso. His ability to charm and persuade were invaluable to his political influence.
When within a year, the Russian Empire had dissolved, the Habsburg Empire collapsed, followed by the German. All three partitioning powers had ceased to exist. This was the perfect time for Poland to re-establish its independence.
When Pilsudski announced the re-establishment of the Polish Republic in November 1918, the Allies didn’t trust him. Thus, they turned to Paderewski whom they trusted, and who later in his speech said that he didn’t want to be part of any political party as he didn’t like the division. His goal was to have a strong united country. With the help of Paderewski, the new Polish government was recognized by the Allies beginning of 1919. Paderewski was appointed as the Prime Minister January-December 1919. He resigned after some criticism but this wasn’t the end of his political career.
He returned to music, and became an outstanding philanthropist, organizing events wherever there was need.
This biography delves into a fascinating figure that deserves to be remembered. The author did excellent research but I felt there were moments when the biography felt quite dry, listing the events, which on the other hand is understandable due to limited sources.
In this biography, the author Adam Zamoyski, delves into research what was held back and why? It turns into something of the detective story as Paderewski “was secretive and confided in very few people; they have confided in nobody.”
The author’s quest turns rewarding and reveals an intimate image of a man with his emotions and problems who was a natural born pianist, and who later used his talent in convincing people on the political platform. It was his childhood dream to help his country, which at the time was partitioned under three neighboring countries. After achieving musical success and having voice to spread his message, he began his patriotic outlook.
His musical career prepared him well for the role of moral leader and advocate of a community. His determination had been tried by the struggle to become a virtuoso. His ability to charm and persuade were invaluable to his political influence.
When within a year, the Russian Empire had dissolved, the Habsburg Empire collapsed, followed by the German. All three partitioning powers had ceased to exist. This was the perfect time for Poland to re-establish its independence.
When Pilsudski announced the re-establishment of the Polish Republic in November 1918, the Allies didn’t trust him. Thus, they turned to Paderewski whom they trusted, and who later in his speech said that he didn’t want to be part of any political party as he didn’t like the division. His goal was to have a strong united country. With the help of Paderewski, the new Polish government was recognized by the Allies beginning of 1919. Paderewski was appointed as the Prime Minister January-December 1919. He resigned after some criticism but this wasn’t the end of his political career.
He returned to music, and became an outstanding philanthropist, organizing events wherever there was need.
This biography delves into a fascinating figure that deserves to be remembered. The author did excellent research but I felt there were moments when the biography felt quite dry, listing the events, which on the other hand is understandable due to limited sources.
August 19, 2024
Astonishing that Paderewski's contribution to politics, alongside his mastery of music and the arts, is not celebrated more broadly. Well researched, very readable and a wonderful insight into the breadth of his contribution beyond music into events leading up to both World Wars. I was blind to the high regard his insight and intellect was held in within upper echelons of government in the USA, France, Great Britain and elsewhere across Europe. So glad I came across this book!
September 5, 2014
Paderewski is a wonderful biography about a great composer, pianist and politician written by a highly talented historian. Adam Zamoyski is able to write knowledgably about diplomatic, political, military, cultural and musicological history. Moreover, the Amercian born Zamoyski who lives part of the year in Poland has an extraordinary grasp of Polish history and culture.
Zamoyski talks about how Paderewski became the first musician to become a popular celebrity and idol. He also examines the Paderewski's compositions which he felt never reached the same level as his extraordinary virtuosity as a pianist.
It is an absolute delight to read the sections on the Paderewski's life in Paris and London in the years between 1890 and 1914. Paderewski first conquered the artistic milieu of Paris before moving to England where Queen Victoria quickly befriended him introducing him to the leading figures of the British political and artistic scene.
When the upstart revolutionary turned General Joseph Pilsudski managed to recreate Poland after over 110 years of non-existant, he chose Paderewski to be his prime minister. Paderewski represented the new Poland at the Paris Peace Conference with considerable distinction. Paderewski did not remain in politics long as the cynical Pilsudski replaced him as soon as he believed he no longer needed him.
This is a charming biography about a great artist who led a fascinating life. It will be of great interest to anyone who has memories of talking about music with this legendry pianist of another era.
Zamoyski talks about how Paderewski became the first musician to become a popular celebrity and idol. He also examines the Paderewski's compositions which he felt never reached the same level as his extraordinary virtuosity as a pianist.
It is an absolute delight to read the sections on the Paderewski's life in Paris and London in the years between 1890 and 1914. Paderewski first conquered the artistic milieu of Paris before moving to England where Queen Victoria quickly befriended him introducing him to the leading figures of the British political and artistic scene.
When the upstart revolutionary turned General Joseph Pilsudski managed to recreate Poland after over 110 years of non-existant, he chose Paderewski to be his prime minister. Paderewski represented the new Poland at the Paris Peace Conference with considerable distinction. Paderewski did not remain in politics long as the cynical Pilsudski replaced him as soon as he believed he no longer needed him.
This is a charming biography about a great artist who led a fascinating life. It will be of great interest to anyone who has memories of talking about music with this legendry pianist of another era.
October 20, 2021
Tak się powinno pisać biografie - wiele słyszałem o autorze, nie dowierzałem, a okazuje się, że ma świetne pióro. Opisał w fantastyczny sposób życie, twórczość, spuściznę i wpływ na historię Polski Ignacego Jana Paderewskiego, lekko zapomnianego pianistę, kompozytora, premiera II RP, który mieszkał sobie w Szwajcarii. Po lekturze tej książki mogę powiedzieć, że mamy jako naród talent do pudrowania i zasuszania w gablotach nieprzeciętnych postaci, których życiorys jest fascynujący, o których nauczyciele historii mogliby przeprowadzać wciągające lekcje, nauczyciele muzyki porywające warsztaty a do tego jeszcze możnaby opowiedzieć młodziezy, że gdyby za czasów Mistrza istniał Instagram, to byłby on wyładowany zdjęciami i filmami Paderewskiego podczas koncertów. Niesamowicie barwna postać, znana na całym świecie, przyjaciel wielkich tego świata - który został bardzo szybko zapomniany, a my Polacy umiejętnie nie dostrzegamy - chyba postać zbyt wielkiego formatu. Z zapomnianego Podola, potomek biednej szlachty - do króla świata, prawdziwego celebryty, osoby, osobę magiczną z ogromną charyzmą. Polecam, świetna książka, odpowiednia ilość szczegółów, jest rytm i czytelnik z każdą stroną staje się fanem Mistrza prawie wiek po jego śmierci.
December 12, 2025
Paderewski is perhaps one of the lesser remembered figures of history but one deserving of greater recognition. A well regarded pianist who drew in huge crowds and perhaps a less successful or at least remembered composer he was something of a superstar in his day then in the difficult after math of WW1 he served as Prime Minister of the newly independent Poland.
The author covers the key events and themes of his life without becoming bogged down, this is a biography of the man rather than wider events which are skirted over , at under 300 pages this biography whips along at a decent pace while feeling somewhat comprehensive which is sometimes a difficult balancing act but in this case the author succeeds.
Recommended
The author covers the key events and themes of his life without becoming bogged down, this is a biography of the man rather than wider events which are skirted over , at under 300 pages this biography whips along at a decent pace while feeling somewhat comprehensive which is sometimes a difficult balancing act but in this case the author succeeds.
Recommended
May 10, 2022
Fantastic life story. Well researched and very readable. The fact that it is written by a historian adds to the depth of how the historical context is integrated into the biography.
August 8, 2024
Świetna biografia jednego z największych Polaków. Przez muzykę do polityki, Polska w pigułce.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews