Roman Maciejewski

Roman Maciejewski (1910–1998) was a Polish composer, pianist, and conductor whose eclectic style blended Polish folk traditions with broader European influences. Born in Berlin to Polish parents, he studied at the Poznań Conservatory and later in Paris with the legendary Nadia Boulanger. A WWII refugee, he bounced between Sweden and the U.S., eventually settling in California, where he became a fixture in Los Angeles’ Polish émigré arts scene. Though he composed across genres, his monumental *Requiem. Missa Pro Defunctis*—a 20-year labor of love—remains his defining work, reflecting his spiritual depth and mastery of choral writing.

Maciejewski’s piano works, like his mazurkas and the lively *Suita hiszpańska*, reveal a playful side, weaving dance rhythms with modernist flair. Recent releases, including his Negro spiritual arrangements for two pianos, highlight his fascination with global folk traditions and his skill as an adapter (he once joked about “borrowing melodies from the universe”). Though he flew under the mainstream radar, his music—warm, introspective, and stubbornly individual—is enjoying a renaissance, championed by artists like Rinko Kobayashi and ensembles eager to rediscover his underrated genius.

Genres

Requiem

Latest Release

Maciejewski: Works for Violin and Piano (World Premiere Recording)

Roman Maciejewski

Album - 9 Tracks - Released September 2, 2022