Leopold Godowsky
Alt-Wien (Pianist Sidney Foster from IPAM CD 1204)
Leopold Godowsky, a composer and pianist, was born in Wilna, Russia on February 13, 1870. Godowsky made his first public performance at the age of 9, which was followed by tours of Russia, Poland and Germany. Five years after his initial appearance, Godowsky toured America for the first time. Throughout his life, Godowsky would tour all over the world -- from spots in Europe and the U.S. to places like Java, Cuba, Japan and South America.
Nicknamed "The Brahma of the Keyboard" by Leon Saxe, Godowsky forged a career that covered a variety of posts, from the director of the Piano Department at the Chicago Conservatory of Music (1895 to 1900) to the Emperor Director at the Piano School of the Imperial Academy of Music in Vienna. Well known as a composer, performer and teacher, Godowsky's life turn took a downward turn in 1930 when he suffered a severe stroke, which rendered him unable to perform.
Coupled with financial problems, Godowsky's health sunk him into a depression from which he never fully recovered. Godowsky died in New York City on November 21, 1938. Godowsky summed up the highs and lows of his career aptly when he said "I worked honestly with the highest ideals for my chosen art and beloved instrument. I have accomplished in my field more and greater things than all my contemporary colleagues. Yet real recognition and material benefits were not given to me; but crediting me sparingly and grudgingly, my life ebbed, and now I find myself ill and poor. A few know the importance of my having lived. When I am but a memory my works and my influence will begin to live."
Some information for this biography was obtained from www.godowsky.com. Go there for a more exhaustive biography and other information.
SERIES DESCRIPTION
SERIES I - CORRESPONDENCE
SERIES II - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH
SERIES III - PERFORMANCE
SERIES IV - COMPOSITIONS
SERIES V - WRITINGS
SERIES VI - MISCELLANEOUS SUBJECT FILES
Don Manildi will be performing Alt-Wien by Godowsky at his upcoming recital on March 1 in Gildenhorn Recital Hall. See CSPAC's performance calendar for more information.
