Paul Kletzki

Paul Kletzki, born Paweł Klecki in Łódź, Poland, was a multifaceted musician whose life and career were marked by remarkable highs and profound challenges. A child prodigy on the violin, Kletzki began his musical journey at the age of nine and joined the Łódź Philharmonic at just fifteen. His path was significantly altered by the horrors of World War I and the subsequent rise of Nazism, which forced him to flee Germany and Italy. Despite these tumultuous events, Kletzki's career flourished, particularly in the post-war era, where he became renowned for his interpretations of Romantic orchestral music, including the works of Mahler, Tchaikovsky, and Berlioz.

Kletzki's own compositions, such as his poignant Third Symphony dedicated to the victims of Nazism, reflect his deep emotional response to the tragedies of his time. As a conductor, he led several orchestras with distinction, though none as a permanent music director. His legacy endures through his recordings, which continue to captivate audiences with their intensity and depth. Kletzki's life and work stand as a testament to resilience and artistic brilliance in the face of adversity.