Wieniawska Irene Regine

Irene Regine Wieniawska (* May 16, 1879 Brussels – † January 28, 1932 London), later acting under the pseudonym Poldowski – composer, pianist, conductor.

Initially, she was educated in Brussels, where she was born during the concert stay of her famous father Henryk Wieniawski. There, she was taught piano by Pierre Jean Storck and François August Gevaert. She also continued her studies in London with Michael Hamburg and Percy Pitt and in Paris with André Gedelge. Vincent d’Indy was also among her teachers. She made her debut as a composer in her late teens, performing her works in public. Initially, the works were published under the name of Irene Wieniawska. After her marriage, she took British citizenship and settled in England. With her husband, she had three children, but the death of her son contributed to the breakdown of her marriage. Under the influence of tragic experiences, he writes several pieces, including Berceuse pour l’enfant mourant for violin and piano. He changes his name and uses the pseudonym Poldowski. She was the author of songs that were very popular in her time, written to texts by French poets, sung by outstanding vocalists who were friends with the artist. It is said that she performed her Violin Sonata in D minor with the violinist Emil Chaumont in front of the Queen of Belgium, Elizabeth. She conducted an active concert activity performing her piano pieces, incl. in Paris. She performed as a soloist and with an orchestra. One such concert took place at Queen’s Hall in 1919, where the artist performed the solo parts of her song “Pat Malon’s Wake” with an orchestra conducted by her friend Henry Wood. For three years she lived in the USA, where she published her symphonic opera “Silence”. At the end of his life he returns to England. Her works were highly appreciated and praised for the rare originality that proves her extraordinary creative personality. Among her composing achievements there are numerous songs, chamber music, piano and orchestral music. Poldowski was also interested in fashion and was the owner of a haute couture boutique that carried out orders for the British royal family itself.

More detailed information here, on the website and on the wieniawski.pl portal.

Discography on discogs.com.

Works for violin with piano accompaniment:

• Violin Sonata in D minor (sheet music)
• Berceuse de l’Enfant mourant,
• Largo,
• Phryne
• Tango

A CD with violin works recorded by Art Chamber Duo

The album “Poldowski Creations” performed by Anna Wandtke is available here