Reinhard Schwarz-Schilling's wife, Dusza von Hakrid, a concert pianist, was of Jewish descent, a fact only discovered after their deaths through their son's research.
Critical Reception
The Polonaise had only one performance at its 1936 premiere and was not performed again until this premiere recording, as the composer left a note saying 'Unrevised score, no definitive version! Not to be published!'
Performer Biography
José Serebrier, the conductor, is a GRAMMY® Award-winning conductor and composer with over 300 recordings and 39 GRAMMY® nominations.
Composer Biography
Despite teaching at the Berlin Academy of Music during the Nazi regime, Reinhard Schwarz-Schilling never joined the Nazi party, even in times of great danger.
Composer Biography
Reinhard Schwarz-Schilling, the composer, was part of Germany's 'lost generation' whose career was greatly affected by the Third Reich and Second World War.
Historical Context
Reinhard Schwarz-Schilling and his family were saved from Nazi terror because a courageous official falsified his wife's documents, and they lived in fear of being discovered.
Composition History
The Polonaise for orchestra, subtitled 'Pyrmonter Kurmusik,' was composed in 1936 as an occasional piece for the Pyrmont Music Festival and as a creative tribute to his wife's homeland.
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