A red-haired, talented Polish lad wanted to be a pianist. However, teachers at the conservatory gave no encouragement. He was told that his fingers were too short and thick for the piano. Later he brought a cornet. The same answer was given to him with the statement that he should try another instrument. Passed around like a hot potato, he went back to the piano.
Embittered and discouraged, h chanced to meet the famous composer and pianist, Anton Rubinstein. The young Pole played for him. Rubinstein praised and encouraged him. The lad promised to practice seven hours a day. Words of praise changed the entire world for Jan Paderewski. ~ Loy C. Laney
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| Ignacy Jan Paderewski's Steinway piano. He was a Polish pianist, composer, diplomat, politician, and the second Prime Minister of the Republic of Poland |
