Karol Szymanowski, An Anthology

Warsaw: Interpress Publishers, 1986. 4to. 11-1/8" x 8-1/4". Pictorial paper covered boards. 216 pp. Fine.. Translated by Emma Harris. Many photo illustrations.. Karol Szymanowski: the greatest after Chopin". This is how he is referred to in his native Poland. And this description covers everything: his exceptional position in the history of music; the fact that like his great predecessor he lifted Polish music from a national backwater into the mainstream of contemporary Europe; the Polishness of his music, which while universalist was also based on the folklore of his native land; and finally, his ability, despite the original and inimitable nature of his music, to follow the splendid inspiration which Chopin represented for him. A beautiful hand lettered presentation inscription in Polish on the half-title page signed by dr. M. Sierocka and dr. A. Borchardt.