Władysław Żeleński (1837–1921)
Władysław Żeleński was a composer, pianist, organist, and educator, born on July 6, 1837, in Grodkowice near Kraków, and passed away on January 23, 1921, in Kraków. From an early age, he demonstrated musical talent. He began his piano education in Kraków under Kazimierz Wojciechowski and Jan Germasz, while studying composition with Franciszek Mirecki. By the age of 20, he had already composed two string quartets, a trio, and an overture, which he personally conducted at its premiere in 1857.
Żeleński continued his studies from 1859 in Prague, where he honed his piano skills under Alexander Dreyschock and studied counterpoint and organ with Josef Krejčí. Between 1866 and 1870, he further developed his compositional technique at the Paris Conservatory under Napoléon Henri Reber and later studied privately with Bertold Damcke.
In 1870, he returned to Poland, initially settling in Kraków, where he organized a concert of his compositions in 1871. He later moved to Warsaw, where, following the death of Stanisław Moniuszko, he took over the chair of harmony and counterpoint at the Conservatory. In 1878, he became the artistic director of the Warsaw Music Society. In 1881, he returned permanently to Kraków and founded the Kraków Conservatory, which he directed until his death. He also taught organ and theoretical subjects, and among his students was the pianist and composer Zygmunt Stojowski.
Żeleński’s works include five string quartets, a sextet, two trios, a piano quartet, and compositions for violin and piano, including two piano concertos and numerous miniatures. He also wrote organ pieces, the Piano Concerto in E-flat major, orchestral works such as the overtures In the Tatra Mountains and Forest Echo, two symphonies, numerous songs, and four operas: Konrad Wallenrod, Goplana, Janek, and Stara Baśń (The Old Tale).
