Moritz Moszkowski

Polish-German Romantic Composer and Pianist

Moritz Moszkowski (1854–1925) was a German composer, pianist, and teacher of Polish-Jewish descent who enjoyed considerable fame during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. His music was admired for its brilliant, virtuosic style and its charming melodic content, which made it popular among concert pianists of his time. Moszkowski's compositions include a wide range of works, but he is perhaps best known for his piano music, which encompasses character pieces, etudes, and concertos. His "Spanish Dances," Op. 12, became particularly famous and were arranged for various ensembles. Despite his initial success, Moszkowski's popularity waned after his death, and he was largely forgotten until a resurgence of interest in his work began in the late 20th century. Pianists have since recorded his music, including his Piano Concerto in E major, Op. 59, helping to reintroduce his oeuvre to modern audiences.