Polish pianist and composer, born in Kurylowka, Podolia (Russian Poland). He performed in public as a child and was sent to Warsaw Conservatory by wealthy patrons. On graduation in 1878 he joined the piano faculty. After further study with Theodor Leschetizky he gave recitals in Paris and Vienna (1888), then London (1890) and New York (1891). His playing and his personality brought him great adulation in America.Paderewski was also an assiduous composer, though only one minor piece, the “Minuet in G,” remains in the repertoire. And he was the first celebrated musician to occupy a high political...