Role

:

Composer

Country

:

Poland

Birth

:

February 28, 1854 in Zhitomir, Russia

Death

:

September 15, 1885 in Zhitomir, Russia

Period

:

Romantic

Genre

:

Chamber

 

 

Keyboard

 

Juliusz Zarebski was a Polish composer and pianist who lived from 1854 to 1885. He was born in the city of Zhytomyr, which was then part of the Russian Empire. His father was a Polish nobleman and his mother was of French descent. Zarebski showed an early talent for music and began studying piano at the age of six. He later studied at the Warsaw Conservatory, where he was a student of Franz Liszt's pupil, Karol Mikuli. Zarebski's early compositions were influenced by the Romantic style of Liszt and Chopin. He wrote several works for piano, including a set of études and a sonata. He also composed a number of chamber works, including a piano trio and a string quartet. In 1875, he won the prestigious Prix de Rome, which allowed him to study in Italy for three years. During his time in Italy, Zarebski became interested in the music of Wagner and Liszt. He also began to experiment with new forms and techniques, such as chromaticism and polytonality. His compositions from this period include a piano concerto, a symphony, and a tone poem. After returning to Poland, Zarebski became involved in the country's cultural and political life. He was a member of the Society of Polish Composers and helped to organize concerts and festivals. He also taught at the Warsaw Conservatory, where his students included the composer Karol Szymanowski. Zarebski's most famous work is his Piano Quintet in G minor, which he composed in 1885. The piece is considered a masterpiece of Polish chamber music and is often compared to Schumann's Piano Quintet. The work is notable for its virtuosic piano part and its use of folk melodies and dance rhythms. Tragically, Zarebski died at the age of 31 from tuberculosis. His premature death was a great loss to the Polish music community, and many mourned the loss of such a talented composer and pianist. Despite his short life, Zarebski left behind a significant body of work that continues to be performed and admired today.

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