Felix Borowski
Felix Borowski was born in Burton, England, on March 10, 1872. He received his musical training at the Cologne Conservatory and with private teachers in England. In 1897 he settled in the United States where he later became a citizen. From 1897 to 1916 he was professor of harmony and counterpoint at Chicago Musical College, and from 1916 to 1925 its president. His career in music criticism began in 1905. From 1907 to 1917 he was music critic of the Chicago Record-Herald and from 1942 until his death, of the Chicago Sun. He was also program annotator for the concerts of the Chicago Symphony from 1908 on, some of these annotations being published in the books, Standard Concert Guide and Encyclopedia of the Symphony. Borowski died in Chicago, Illinois, on September 6, 1956.
As a composer, Borowski produced three symphonies, three string quartets, several ballet-pantomimes, various tone poems and other instrumental compositions. His major works are now rarely given, but his smaller salon pieces have retained their popularity through the years. The best of these are the Adoration, for violin and piano, the La Coquette and Valsette for piano, all transcribed for orchestra. All three pieces are in simple song structure and unashamedly Romantic in their lyricism and emotional content. The uninhibited sentimentality of Adoration has made that piece a particular favorite.