Władysław Żeleński

Polish Romantic Composer and Pianist

Władysław Żeleński (1837–1921) was a renowned Polish composer, pianist, and organist of the Romantic era. He was a significant figure in the musical life of Poland during his time, contributing to the development of national music. Żeleński studied in Prague and Vienna before taking on various musical roles, including serving as the director of the Kraków Music Society and teaching at the Music Institute in Kraków. His compositional output includes operas, symphonic works, chamber music, and pieces for piano and organ. Żeleński's style was influenced by Polish folk music as well as by the broader European Romantic tradition. His works such as the Piano Quintet Op. 34 and Piano Quartet Op. 61 are examples of his chamber music that have been appreciated for their melodic richness and formal coherence. While not as widely known today as some of his contemporaries, Żeleński's contributions to Polish music have earned him a respected place in its history.