Chopin's Monument in Warsaw
Wednesday, December 15, 2004
by Anna Golka
In 1899, the 50th anniversary of Chopin’s death, a decision to build a monument for Poland’s greatest composer was made. This was a very difficult endeavor because Poland was still ruled by the Russian Tsar.
The cause for the monument was aided by Polish prima donna Adelaida Bolska whose singing for the Tsar brought tears to his eyes. He asked what he could do to repay her for her magnificent singing. “Your Majesty,” she bravely answered on behalf her nation, “Allow us to erect a monument of Frederic Chopin.”
That was a courageous act because in those times it could be interpreted as a patriotic act and could result in severe punishment.
To everybody’s astonishment, the Tsar gave permission. Gathering funds and organizing a competition for the best design of the monument took many years, and, finally, on November 14, 1926, the chosen version, by sculptor Waclaw Szymanowski, was placed in the Lazienki Park in Warsaw.
It seemed the end of a long battle to have this beautiful monument proudly displayed in the city where Chopin spent his youth and schooldays.
Unfortunately, tragedy was to come. In September 1939, as a consequence of Nazi Plans to destroy Polish culture, the notorious Hans Frank ordered the monument destroyed. The sculpture was disassembled and the high quality metal was sent to Germany for use by the Third Reich.
After the war, the construction of the monument had to start all over again. On May 11, 1958, after 18 years of absence, the monument was completed. From then on, pianists have been coming and performing concerts on a piano next to the monument. Huge crowds continue to gather around to hear this most beautiful music at this most beautiful concert setting.
by Anna Golka
In 1899, the 50th anniversary of Chopin’s death, a decision to build a monument for Poland’s greatest composer was made. This was a very difficult endeavor because Poland was still ruled by the Russian Tsar.
The cause for the monument was aided by Polish prima donna Adelaida Bolska whose singing for the Tsar brought tears to his eyes. He asked what he could do to repay her for her magnificent singing. “Your Majesty,” she bravely answered on behalf her nation, “Allow us to erect a monument of Frederic Chopin.”
That was a courageous act because in those times it could be interpreted as a patriotic act and could result in severe punishment.
To everybody’s astonishment, the Tsar gave permission. Gathering funds and organizing a competition for the best design of the monument took many years, and, finally, on November 14, 1926, the chosen version, by sculptor Waclaw Szymanowski, was placed in the Lazienki Park in Warsaw.
It seemed the end of a long battle to have this beautiful monument proudly displayed in the city where Chopin spent his youth and schooldays.
Unfortunately, tragedy was to come. In September 1939, as a consequence of Nazi Plans to destroy Polish culture, the notorious Hans Frank ordered the monument destroyed. The sculpture was disassembled and the high quality metal was sent to Germany for use by the Third Reich.
After the war, the construction of the monument had to start all over again. On May 11, 1958, after 18 years of absence, the monument was completed. From then on, pianists have been coming and performing concerts on a piano next to the monument. Huge crowds continue to gather around to hear this most beautiful music at this most beautiful concert setting.