Paderewski, trained in Warsaw, later became a pupil of Leschetizky in Vienna, embarking then on a distinguished international career as a virtuoso pianist. He abandoned his career as a musician for three years, from 1918 to 1921, when he held the positions of Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Poland, in continuation of his fight for Polish independence. This struggle he had resumed at the time of his death in 1940 during the course of a visit to the United States of America to arouse support for his cause.

Piano Music
Paderewski wrote a number of attractive short pieces for piano in the early years of his career. These include the well-known Mélodie in G flat major and the Menuet célèbre.

Orchestral Music
Paderewski left a Piano Concerto, written in 1888, and a Fantaisie polonaise sur des thèmes originaux (‘Polish Fantasy on Original Themes’) for piano and orchestra. His only symphony was completed in 1909.