Introduction

Bernhard Jacobson publish his books about Polish musical life after the World War II twenty years ago under this title.

The period is marked by a strong, never before seen presence of Polish composers on the international music scene: from Bacewicz via Serock and Lutoslawski to Pendrecki and Gorecki. A comparison to Chopin is tempting, but a major point of difference is that composers from the 20th century remain firmly anchored in Polish musical life in terms of education and career.

Polish culture has a strong musical tradition, both on artistic and folk genres. The impact of religious music in a deeply Catholic country can also not be under estimated.