He composed music to such films as Wrzos (1937), Dr Murek (1939), Zadzwońcie do mojej żony (1957), and to radio dramas and musical comedies, such as Ciotka Karola, Mąż Fołtasiówny, but above all he is famous as the author of more than five hundred (his son Andrzej believes that there are about 1000) songs, among which, many became hits performed by most popular singers. However, popular music nad soundtracks predominate in his works.

After the war, he composed music for the opening credits of the Polish Film Chronicle (since 1947). He did not give up concerts and as a result performed with eminent, world-renowned violinists including Bronisław Gimpel, Ida Haendel, Henryk Szeryng, Roman Totenberg.Īs a composer, Szpilman initially wanted to devote his career to classical music he is the author of many symphonic pieces, which have been included in the programs of philharmonics in Berlin, Warsaw, Łódź (for example, Sceny Baletowe, Concertino, Litle Overture for Symphony Orchestra, Waltz in the Olden Style). He worked there until the outbreak of the Second World War. In 1935 he began working for Polish Radio as a pianist. He began giving concerts there, often performing with a recognised violinist Bronislav Gimpel.

When Hitler was elected in 1933, Szpilman left Berlin and came back to Warsaw. It was there that he wrote his first compositions, such as a suite for piano called Życie maszyn and a few symphonic works. While performing in Berlin, he proved himself to be an outstanding pianist. In 1931, having received a scholarship, he went to Berlin and completed studies at the College of Music under guidance of Artur Schnabl (piano) and Franz Schreker (composition). He studied the piano at the Fryderyk Chopin University of Music, under guidance of Aleksander Michałowski and Józef Śmidowicz, and later at the University of Music and Performing Arts in Vienna. Władysław Szpilman (alias Al Legro), a pianist, classical composer, chamber musician, was born on 5th December, 1911 in Sosnowiec to a family with musical traditions.

The Pianist by Władysław Szpilman