The Artistic Profile of Aleksander Zarzycki: A Forgotten Composer of the Romantic Era

The second half of the 19th century in the history of Polish music is a neglected period, both in the aspect of performance and the aspect of research on this music. Unfortunately, works of many composers from this period have been forgotten. One of such composers is undoubtedly Aleksander Zarzycki (1834–1895), a composer, teacher, virtuoso pianist; the author of over 40 opuses and the composer of many solo songs with piano accompaniment, which were often compared to the songs of Stanisław Moniuszko. Similarly to the most famous Polish composer of songs, Zarzycki created two songbooks that are part of the trend of egalitarian songs. He was also renowned for his short piano pieces, written in a salon style with virtuoso elements. One of his most famous works was the Mazurka in G major, which was popularised by the Spanish virtuoso violinist Pablo Sarasate. Also noteworthy is his Piano Concerto in A flat major Op. 17, referring to the Piano Concerto in A minor by Fryderyk Chopin and the Concerto in G minor by Józef Wieniawski. Zarzycki’s works are characteristic of his era, including references to folklore, national style, virtuosity and the socalled "Romantic mood".