Tarasevich, Jan - Songs

Jan Tarasevich (1889–1961; officially 1884) was born in Sokółka (Grodno Governorate). Orphaned early, he was raised at the Shyndzel estate, which he later inherited. He studied at the Polotsk Cadet Corps and the St. Petersburg Conservatory (1908; with N. Abramych, N. Bystrov, A. Glazunov). A World War I veteran, he was wounded and awarded the St. George Cross. After 1918 he lived in Shyndzel, taught in Sokółka, Grodno, and Białystok, and avoided public performance. During World War II he lived in Latvia, teaching and painting portraits, refusing collaboration. From 1947 he taught in Białystok until retirement. He died in 1961.

A pianist of high class with flawless technique, he favored Beethoven, Liszt, and Grieg. A child prodigy, he performed Chopin and Liszt at age 9–10. He rarely performed publicly, focusing on teaching and composition. His works, often based on Belarusian folk motifs, include Grand Sonata Waltz, Prelude with Toccata, Tarantella, Piano Trio, two suites, and an unfinished piano concerto.