Karol Szymanowski's 141st Birthday

Today’s Doodle, illustrated by Wrocław-based guest artist Paweł Szlotawa, celebrates the 141st birthday of Karol Szymanowski, an esteemed Polish composer of the early 20th century. His works demonstrated originality, explored many styles, and embodied absolute mastery of orchestration. Very notably, when Poland gained independence in 1918, he helped create its distinct national style.

Szymanowski was born on this day in Timoshovka, Ukraine in 1882. He learned how to play piano at an early age and moved to Warsaw to study harmony, counterpoint, and composition in 1901. Despite the invaluable education he obtained there, Szymanowski felt the city’s taste was too conservative. In 1905, he co-founded the Young Polish Composers’ Publishing Company, an organization that provided opportunities to perform his own works on stages across Berlin and Warsaw.

Unfortunately this stretch of creative freedom was halted by World War I. He traveled back to his homeland and went into artistic isolation. During this time, he explored foreign sources of inspiration like Mediterranean cultures and ancient Greek philosophy.

The turning point in Szymanowski’s career occurred in 1919 when he returned to the newly-independent Poland. He realized the country lacked its own musical identity and style. This sparked a profound transformation in his music — one that was either welcomed or rejected depending on the listener. Ever the explorer, he frequently visited the Polish highlands and drew inspiration from Podhale and Kurpie folk music. In his personal life, he was associated with creatives like writer Jarosław Iwaszkiewicz, poet and dancer Borys Kochno, and actor Witold Conti. His works refer to his romantic relationships, including his opera King Roger.

Szymanowski earned several awards and accolades throughout his career, most notably the National Prize for Music in 1935. He briefly served as rector of the Warsaw Conservatory, and was an honorary member at other music academies across the world. One thing is for certain: he changed minds both on and off the conductor’s podium, whether it was about his music or identity. Perhaps his life’s forte was helping to establish a young country’s cultural identity amidst a changing world.

Happy birthday, Karol Szymanowski!