Leo Podolsky facts for kids
Leo Podolsky was a famous classical pianist and a great teacher. He was born in Odessa, Ukraine on May 25, 1891, and passed away in Los Angeles, California on October 1, 1987.
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Early Life and Musical Training
Leo Podolsky started learning piano when he was young. He had many teachers, but George Lalewicz helped him the most. He went to the Cracow Conservatory to study music. Later, he joined the Vienna Academy of Music. There, he won important awards like the Liszt and Anton Rubinstein prizes. In 1912, he played his first big concert in Berlin.
World War I and Global Concerts
After he finished his studies, Leo Podolsky planned a big concert tour around the world. However, World War I started, and his tour was canceled. He joined the Russian military. During his time in the army, he still gave concerts in Russia and Siberia.
Later, the Russian Revolution happened, and he was stuck in Yokohama, Japan. He decided to organize his own tour. He performed 426 times across Asia and the Pacific Rim. He played with symphony orchestras in places like Java, Japan, China, the Philippines, and India.
Return to Europe and United States Debut
When he returned to Europe, Podolsky taught at the New Conservatory of Music in Berlin. He also gave many concerts across Europe. In 1924, he came to the United States. He made his debut in Chicago, Illinois, where he gave three concerts. He also performed with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. His first concert in New York City was on December 1, 1927, at Town Hall.
Teaching Career and Later Life
Leo Podolsky was a dedicated teacher. He led the piano department at Saint Marys College in Notre Dame, Indiana for 18 years. In 1926, he also joined the faculty at the Sherwood Music School in Chicago.
In 1983, after his second wife passed away, Podolsky moved to Burbank, California. When he died, his large collection of music items was given to the University of Southern California Music Department.
Piano Recordings
Leo Podolsky made many piano rolls. These were special recordings for player pianos. He recorded them for the American Piano Company (Ampico).
Books by Leo Podolsky
- Khaki and Tails: The Autobiography of Dr. Leo Podolsky, 1977
- Piano Progress: Approach to Music for the Partially Sighted, by June Davison, Ardella Schaub, and Leo Podolsky, 1972
- Duet Playing: Piano, edited by Leo Podolsky, 1985
