Władysław Kędra facts for kids
Władysław Kędra (born September 16, 1918 – died September 26, 1968) was a talented Polish pianist. He was known for his amazing musical skills and for performing during tough times.
Early Life and Musical Beginnings
Władysław Kędra was born in a city called Łódź in Poland. He started playing the piano at a young age. His first public performance, known as his debut, happened in 1933. He played music by famous composers like Joseph Haydn and Camille Saint-Saëns.
He worked hard and finished his studies at the Łódź Conservatory in 1937. This was a big step in his musical journey. He also joined the 3rd International Chopin Piano Competition, which is a very important event for pianists. A judge named Magda Tagliaferro noticed his talent during this competition. After that, he continued his music studies in Paris, France.
Playing Music During World War II
During World War II, life was very difficult, especially in Poland. Władysław Kędra bravely continued to play Polish music in Warsaw, even though it was secretly banned by the people who had taken over. These challenging times made it hard for his hands, but he kept practicing and playing. His dedication showed how much he loved music and his country.
A Career Takes Off
After the war ended, Władysław Kędra moved back to Łódź. His career really started to grow. He took part in two more big music competitions: the 1946 Concours de Geneve and the IV International Chopin Piano Competition. In the Chopin Competition, he won 5th prize. This award helped him become a well-known concert pianist, and he began performing for many audiences.
In 1957, he decided to live in Vienna, Austria, which is a famous city for music. He made many recordings of his piano playing, so people can still listen to his music today. Władysław Kędra passed away in Warsaw when he was 50 years old.
