Wanda Landowska was a renowned Polish-French harpsichordist and pianist who lived from 1879 to 1959. She is considered one of the foremost figures in the revival of harpsichord performance during the early 20th century.
Landowska's contribution to the music world extends beyond her exceptional skills as a performer. She played a pivotal role in reintroducing the harpsichord, an early keyboard instrument, into popular repertoire. Landowska's dedication to the harpsichord led to an increased appreciation for Baroque music and the historical performance practice associated with it.
Characterized by her deep musicality, technical brilliance, and pioneering spirit, Landowska's interpretations were highly regarded for their clarity, expressiveness, and richness of sound. Her approach to playing the harpsichord emphasized the instrument's sonority and expressive potential, often going against the prevailing trend of restrained and mechanical interpretations.
In addition to her performances, Landowska was an accomplished teacher and scholar. Her extensive research into historical performance practices and her work on early music manuscripts significantly influenced the emerging field of musicology. She was also heavily involved in instrument design and collaborated with famous piano and harpsichord builders to create instruments that met her precise artistic requirements.
Wanda Landowska's legacy endures through her numerous recordings, writings, and her students, who have gone on to become accomplished musicians and teachers in their own right. Her groundbreaking approach to harpsichord playing and her unwavering commitment to bringing forgotten repertoire to the forefront have left an indelible mark on the musical world.
