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Donald Macleod follows Polish pianist Maria Szymanowska as she strikes out on her own.

The 19th century was an exciting time for classical musicians. Urban centres across Europe and the New World were expanding rapidly, creating a profitable music circuit for touring performers – particularly if you had the talent and star-power to attract audiences in large numbers! A new breed of performer began to emerge: extraordinary virtuosos whose dazzling abilities made them into international sensations. Liszt, Chopin, Clara Schumann and Paganini are among the names best remembered today, but there were many others. This week, Donald Macleod explores the life and music of four more 19th-century ‘showstoppers’ who were equally celebrated in their day, and who also turned their talents to composing.

Today, Donald follows the storied career of Polish pianist Maria Szymanowska, who might have settled for a comfortable and relatively cloistered existence as the wife of a wealth landowner in Warsaw. Instead, she chose to break free from her marriage, and embark on an international performing career. Audiences admired her brilliant musical style, which is often brimming with good humour and a sense of fun.

Polonaise in C major
Alexander Kostritsa, piano

Prélude No. 18 in E major
24 Mazurkas, Nos. 21-24
Anna Ciborowska, piano

Caprice sur la romance de Joconde in E major
Carole Carniel, piano

Fantaisie in F major
Anna Ciborowska, piano

Cotillon, ou valse figurée
Nocturne in B flat major
Sławomir P Dobrzański, piano

18 Dances of Different Genres, Nos. 9-12 & No.18
Alexander Kostritsa, piano