Józef Wieniawski, younger brother of Henryk, was a prolific Polish composer and virtuoso pianist renowned throughout Europe. After studies in Paris he spent two years in Weimar studying with and absorbing the compositional style of Franz Liszt – Wieniawski’s work combines the pianistic flair and poetic intensity of both Liszt and his fellow countryman Chopin. These qualities can be heard in the four Polonaises, the first of which is virtuosic and characterful. Andrew Cannestra’s album of Józef Wieniawski’s piano works, including Polonaises Nos. 2–4, is available on 8.574583.