Xawery DUNIKOWSKI (1875-1948), Ignacy (Ignaz) Friedman (1882-1948) - pianist and composer

bronze, patinated casting, marble; height 27.8 cm, width 14.9 cm, depth 10 cm.
Poland, 1920s-30s.
Figure of a reclining man wearing a double-breasted coat and hooded cloak loosely thrown over his back. Naked head with luxuriant hair; hat in right hand, staff in left. On the back on the base the inscription: "X. DUNIKOWSKI." Perpendicular pedestal, of greenish marble.

Ignacy (Ignaz) Friedman (14.02.1882-26.01.1948) pianist and composer, born in Podgórze (now a district of Cracow), died in Sydney. Son of a violinist and clarinetist of a theater orchestra, who initially taught him to play himself. The boy then studied under Professor Flora Grzywinska. The next stage was his studies in Vienna, which he began in 1900 under Hugo Rieman, Theodor Leschetizky and Guido Adler. In 1904 Friedman gave his first major public concert and gained immediate fame. During his more than 40 years of stage activity, the pianist played in almost all European countries, the Americas, Asia, Africa, Iceland, New Zealand and Australia. He was most highly regarded for his participation in a festival organized in Vienna (1927) to mark the 100th anniversary of Beethoven's death. At the time, he performed Beethoven's Concerto in G Major and was the only pianist participating in the event.