Ignacy Jan Paderewski - Piano Concerto Op. 17 (1888)

Paderewski, born 1860, was a Polish pianist, composer, and statesman whose musical fame opened doors to diplomacy. His Piano Concerto Op. 17, dedicated to Theodor Leschetizky, was composed over several years, beginning with the first movement in 1882 and completed in 1888 in Paris. The concerto was first performed in Vienna on 20 January 1889 by Anetta Jessipowa with Hans Richter conducting, and later in Warsaw on 8 April 1889. The recording features Janina Fialkowska on piano with the National Polish Radio Symphony Orchestra conducted by Antoni Wit (Naxos 8.554020). Movements: I. Allegro; II. Romanza. Andante (16:16); III. Allegro molto vivace (25:34).