Władysław Szpilman was a Polish-Jewish pianist and composer, born on December 5, 1911, in Warsaw, Poland. He is best known for his memoir, "The Pianist," which recounts his experiences during the Holocaust. Szpilman survived the Nazi occupation of Poland and the Warsaw Ghetto, using his musical talents to evade capture. After World War II, Szpilman continued his career as a musician and became a prominent figure in Polish music. He worked as a pianist and music director for radio and television, contributing significantly to the cultural landscape of post-war Poland. He passed away on July 6, 2000.