Album insights
Xaver Scharwenka, born on January 6, 1850 in the small town of Sainter near the Polish city of Posen (Posnan), which was part of East Prussia at the time, exhibited musical talent early on. Supported by his father, he received his first music lessons.
In 1865, the family moved to Berlin where both Xaver and his older brother Philipp (1847-1917) were admitted to Theodor Kullak's "Neue Akademie der Tonkunst." Xaver excelled, studying piano under Kullak, who was a student of Czerny, and composition under Richard Wuerst.
By 1868, Xaver began teaching at the academy and made his debut as a pianist at the Berlin Singakademie the following year, receiving praise from critics for his beautiful and powerful playing style. Known for his clarity and virtuosity, Scharwenka combined strength with finesse in his performances. His compositions, including his famous Polish National Dances, garnered widespread acclaim.
Starting his career as a concert pianist in 1874 after military service, Xaver's fame grew. He completed his first piano concerto in 1877, one of his most successful works. In the same year, he married Zenaide Gousseff. Despite a turn towards teaching and founding his conservatory in 1881, he continued composing works such as a symphony and an opera.
In 1890, Scharwenka traveled to the USA, where he was already known as a composer. After a successful tour, he emigrated with his family to America, establishing a second conservatory in New York in 1891. He maintained ties with his homeland, visiting Germany regularly until the outbreak of World War I.
Returning to Germany in 1898 with his family, Xaver continued traveling to America until World War I. Teaching and composing throughout, his pedagogical works gained prominence. His autobiography, "Sounds from My Life," was published in 1922. He passed away on December 8, 1924, leaving behind a legacy of respected music and teaching.
Scharwenka excelled in composing mainly for piano, drawing from his thorough knowledge of the instrument. Deeply rooted in his Polish upbringing and influenced by German training in Berlin, particularly Schumann's style, his compositions showcased versatility and creativity.
His early works like the "Narratives at the Piano," op. 5 from 1870, revealed confidence in his abilities. Compositions such as the Six Waltzes, op. 28, and the Polish National Dances, op. 47, highlighted his heritage through dynamic and rhythmic pieces.
Variations on a Theme by C.H., op. 57, dedicated to Prince Constantin, demonstrated Scharwenka's skill as a composer. During his time in America in the 1890s, he wrote smaller pieces published by The John Church Co., emphasizing his musical reputation.
Though he died in 1924, Xaver Scharwenka's compositions continued to showcase his creativity and melodic richness, reflecting his loyalty to 19th-century musical ideals. His enduring legacy was marked by a deep respect for his craft and traditional musical values amidst the changing cultural landscape of the early 20th century.