A few days ago Peter Coggins posted the question whether a second
volume was ever published. I checked several reference books and
found there was never a second volume published as a sequel to the
1938 one-volume Paderewski Memoirs. Meanwhile, for his interest and
perhaps others, I've just acquired a video of the only movie Paderewski
ever appeared in.
'Moonlight Sonata' is a 1938 British film, a "well-made but stodgy
romance set in the household of a Swedish baroness, as an excuse for
screen appearance by famous concert pianist."
It's actually quite enjoyable as a period piece, and delightful to see
the 78-year old pianist perform quite a number of pieces, and his
gracious mannerisms as he acts his role in the film. The opening scene
re-creates a the excitement and atmosphere of a real Paderewski
recital, with audience members sitting and standing on the stage, and
mobs of people swarming around the piano at the conclusion.
For anyone wanting a copy of this video, it's available for $19.95 plus
$3.50 shipping & handling from:
Nostalgia Family Video
PO Box 606
Baker City, OR 97814
(541) 523-9034 or 800-784-3362
Larry Lobel
Virtuoso Piano Service
Petaluma, CA
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