Exploding cigars and singing toilet flushes? These are the kinds of jokes Ignacy Paderewski enjoyed – perfect for April Fools’ Day! Check out the composer’s other ideas; you may find some inspiration here.
Ignacy Jan Paderewski was known for his outstanding sense of humour and his sharp, sometimes biting. In a letter to his wife, Helena, he wrote: „Szacónek y ócałowania małego palószka. Pantofel” („Respect and kisses for your pinky. Your henpecked husband” – intentionally misspelled). And when a young composer had doubts about high notes in a piece and asked: “Can a tenor take that?”, Ignacy replied: “Especially if he were impaled”. He also commented on Johannes Brahms and his overuse of the bass: “As you can see, some people’s cradles are watch over by angels, and others by a double bass”.
The composer was also famous for his practical jokes. He would surprise his guests at Riond-Bosson with exploding cigars, decanters with a music box, and singing furniture or toilet flushes. His friends staying at the El Paso de Robles hotel were not spared either. He would put a pillow mannequin in their beds or stuff their coats. He hid behind a wardrobe and waited for his prey’s reaction.
The quotes come from Paderewski’s monograph by M. Majewska (Małe monografie series) published by PWM Edition. For more memorabilia related to the composer, visit Ikonoteka!
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