ABSTRACT
Szymanowski’s 1930 article on ‘The Educational Role of Musical Culture in Society’ 1 can be read as his credo in matters of education, culture and the place of music in society, particularly in the context of the reconstruction of Poland following its rebirth in 1918. This publication coincided with his appointment as first Rector of the State Academy of Music in Warsaw. Clearly, he intended this public statement to announce his agenda, not just in his new position in the Academy but also in his role as advisor on musical matters to the Polish government. One can only speculate on what would have been the influence of this agenda had Szymanowski not been hampered in its implementation both by a rapidly deteriorating political and social situation, and by his own increasing health problems. Hardly more than a year passed before he was forced to resign and, from that time on to his death, never again was he in a position to exert any significant influence on public policies. The article may be summarily described as dealing with the musician’s responsibilities toward society and with the responsibilities of the State toward music. These mutual responsibilities are founded on the social nature of music, a description of which begins Szymanowski’s essay.
