‘Passions’ Around the Second Fryderyk Chopin Piano Competition in Warsaw (1932)

Abstract

The article is devoted to Polish-Soviet cultural contacts in the interwar period. Author examines the preparation and holding of the II Frederic Chopin Piano Competition in the context of the development of Soviet cultural diplomacy. The article touches upon such issues as the role of VOKS in establishing cultural ties, the importance of the competition for the foreign policy of the USSR. The author pays great attention to the participation of Soviet representatives in the organization of the competition and their attitude to this event. The article is based on archival documents, the main sources were the reports of Soviet representatives and their correspondence. The author comes to the conclusion that the political aspect of the second Chopin competition was one of the most important for the Soviet side. The Soviet leadership, as the author of the article shows, gradually realized the importance of soft power to create a positive image of the USSR in the international arena.