The Paderewski memoirs, by Ignace Jan Paderewski and Mary Lawton by Paderewski, Ignace Jan, 1860-1941

New York: G. Schirmer [PN 12104], 1895. Folio (340 x 265 mm). Original publisher's decorative printed wrappers with titling within floral border to upper. 71 pp. With printed dedication "à Madame la Princesse R. Bessaraba de Brancovan" to head of title. Ex libris the American concert pianist Mario Feninger (1923-2016), with his initials to upper wrapper. Wrappers quite worn and browned; spine chipped; upper and title detached. Light internal wear; uniform browning. "Paderewski's "appeal to audiences was undoubtedly partly due to his striking appearance and hypnotic stage presence, but it is clear from the testimony of musicians and critics that he was an outstandingly imaginative performer, albeit one whose freedom with text and tempo was extreme even by the standards of his own time. 'It is not a question of what is written', he once remarked, 'it is a question of musical effect'. ...Paderewski the composer may say little to modern audiences. It is the legendary pianist, the charismatic… Read More