Karol Szymanowski

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Karol Szymanowski (October 3, 1882 - March 29, 1937) was a Polish composer. Next to Frederic Chopin, Karol was Poland's most famous composer. He is thought to be one of the greatest Polish composers in the first half of the 20th century.

Szymanowski was born on his family's estate in Tymoszówka in the Ukraine. He studied in Berlin and Warsaw. His music can be divided into three phases. Early works before World War I showed that he liked the works of Frederic Chopin, Richard Wagner and Richard Strauss. The second phase is influenced by the Orient and Mediterranean cultures. His music during this phase resulted in many of his best known compositions. The third phase began in 1921. It has much that is similar to Polish folk themes. This work defined Polish themed music and is thought to include his greatest works. His music was not well liked in Poland.

The works of Szymanowski include four symphonies, two violin concertos, the operas Hagith and King Roger, the ballet-pantomime Harnasie, the oratorio Stabat Mater, as well as many piano, violin, vocal and choral compositions. His most popular work was his ballet Harnasie. It was first shown in Prague and later shown at the Paris Opera. It was well liked, both by critics and the public. Health and financial problems brought his work to an end in 1934. Szymanowski died after a short stay in a sanatorium in Lausanne, Switzerland.

He was buried on April 7, 1937 at the cemetery for the Polish nobles, in Pauline in Krakow. The exact day of his death is not certain, some say he died midnight, few minutes before March 29.