Jonas, Maryla (1911–1959)

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Jonas, Maryla (1911–1959)

Polish pianist who was one of the first artists to record on LP (long-playing records). Born in Warsaw, Poland, on May 31, 1911; died in New York City, on July 3, 1959.

Maryla Jonas was a prodigy who studied with Paderewski, Sauer and Turczynski. Making her official debut in 1926, she had a successful virtuoso career until World War II, when she had to escape to South America. Jonas finally came to the United States, where she made her debut in New York in 1946. She was one of the first pianists to be heard on the newly invented long-playing record. Although she was not a great technician, she played with a profound sensitivity. Her recording of Chopin mazurkas, while controversial as an interpretation, nevertheless displayed a ravishing tone with a gracious sense of rubato. After a long illness that prematurely terminated her career, she died in New York City.

John Haag , Athens, Georgia

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