MIECZYSLAW MUNZ (1900-1976)
Polish-American pianist

Mieczyslaw Munz was an extraordinary pianist in the golden age of pianists.  He had been a pupil of Busoni, and in turn taught many.  Among his well known students were Emanuel Ax, Walter Hautzig, and Ann Schein.

He was of the school of pianists, common during his formative years, who were not shy about inserting their own personalities into their performances.  As a result, his interpretations ranged from the brilliant to the nearly bizarre.  This doubtless accounts for the fact that his star was eventually outshone by the likes of Artur Rubinstein and Vladimir Horowitz though his technical capabilities was certainly equal to theirs.

But judging from his performances of the Chopin preludes which begin the handful of examples of his playing that are available to be heard here, he was a terrifyingly innovative pianist who was capable of unearthing secrets in the music and leaving his audiences breathless with the excitement of discovery.

The last item on this page is a 1929 silent home movie of Munz playing the piano.  In the background you can see his wife, Aniela (Nela) Mlynarska who married Artur Rubinstein in 1932.

Chopin  Six Preludes from Op 28

17 in A♭ major
03:03 ➢ 16 in B♭ minor
04:00 ➢ 20 in C minor
05:16 ➢ 19 in E♭ major
06:16 ➢ 22 in G minor
06:54 ➢ 24 in D minor

piano rolls from the 1920s