It is a strange paradox for artists to be idolised during their lifetime only to be hurriedly forgotten after their deaths … Maria Szymanowska (1789-1831) was an example, all the more flagrantly as she was one of the small but growing number in Europe of lady pianists, composers and teachers, whose artistic talents emerged from the salons to find success with the general public. So who was this « ravishing Almighty of the sound world » according to Goethe's expression, quoted by Romain Rolland? (2)