Leopold Kozłowski

Abstract

This chapter offers an obituary for Leopold Kozłowski. It describes Leopold as the last klezmer, who died at the venerable age of 100 on 12 March. It recalls how Leopold spent several months in the labour camp at Kurowice, recounting how he taught a Nazi officer the accordion in exchange for food, and how the Nazis forced him to compose a “death tango” and play while other Jews were led to their deaths. It also mentions Leopold's survival from the labour camp and resettlement in Kraków, where he studied conducting at the Higher State Music School. The chapter notes Leopold's composition of music for films and the theatre, even acting in the film Schindler's List while serving as an adviser on the music of the ghetto. It highlights his performances in Poland, Europe, the United States, and Israel, which he continued until the end of his life.