The historical figure of Ignaсy Jan Paderewski through the prism of synthesis of artistic and political activity

Abstract

The purpose of the article is to reveal the role of I. J. Paderewski in realization the patriotic ideas of Poland's independence through the prism of synthesis of creative and political activity. In accordance with the goal the following tasks were set: to consider the figure's biography in interaction aspect of the basic spheres of functioning; determine the personal prerequisites for national ideas formation; to reveal the practical implementation of life credo; to characterize the historical, social and cultural, artistic contribution. Methodology. In course of the research the following methods were used to reveal the presented problems: historical (study of the life story), source studies (elaboration of existing scientific works on related issues), analytical and structural-logical (coverage of the chronological aspect of the problem, understanding the specifics of activities), method of theoretical generalization (to summarize). The scientific novelty. For the first time in the history of Ukrainian scientific thought the figure of І. J. Paderewski was considered as a complex phenomenon of the interaction of human's radically different spheres of activity. Conclusions. The personality of pianists, public figures, orators, politicians, and philanthropists became a main in both the musical and political life of Poland in the late XIX - early XX century. Thanks to his incredible musical talent and rich concert practice, he brought the problem of Polish national identity to the world level and enlisted the support of the most influential circles in matters of statehood. Paderewski’s phenomenon is in his indomitable spirit, faith in the independence of his country, efficiency in all spheres of his life, in the complex unity of poetic art and prudent politics. In the European cultural heritage, this is a unique case of coexistence of contrasting human activities, their mutual functioning in achieving the existential credo of an outstanding person.

Keywords: І. J. Paderewski, political activity, patriotic ideas, artistic heritage.