Moritz Moszkowski

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Maurycy Moszkowski (in Polish), or Moritz Moszkowski (in German), (August 23, 1854 Breslau - March 4, 1925 Paris) was a Polish composer, pianist and teacher. He studied under Theodor Kullak.

Although rather obscure today, Moszkowski was well-respected and popular during the late nineteenth century. He was quite prolific, composing over two hundred pieces. Ignaz Paderewski said, "After Chopin, Moszkowski best understands how to write for the piano."

He wrote many small scale piano pieces which brought him much popularity–notably his set of Spanish Dances Op. 12 for piano duet. Today he is probably best known for his fifteen Études de Virtuosité, Op. 72, which have been performed by virtuoso pianists such as Vladimir Horowitz and Marc-André Hamelin. He also wrote larger scale works including the Piano Concerto in E major, Op. 59, and the Violin Concerto in C major, Op. 30. Many of his small but brilliant piano pieces, such as Étincelles (Sparks), are used as encore performances at the end of classical concerts. His Suite for 2 violins and piano has been recorded by such duos as Itzhak Perlman and Pinchas Zukerman.