Zygmunt Noskowski was born in Warsaw in 1846. He studied at the Music Institute in Warsaw as well as in Berlin. He served as director of a singing society in Konstanz from 1875 until 1880, returning to Warsaw in 1881 and remaining an integral part of musical life in the city until his death in 1909. Among other activities, he attempted to create a regular symphony orchestra, was a professor of composition at the Music Institute, and was conductor of the Warsaw Philharmonic Orchestra from 1905 to 1908. Noskowski was one of the most significant Polish composers of the nineteenth century and wrote in nearly all genres: ballet, opera, sacred works, symphonies, symphonic poems, and smaller works (including works for children), especially for piano. He also pursued a parallel career as a music critic and journalist.