<i>A Polish Composer of Jewish Descent: in Interwar Lwów. Reflections on the National and Religious Identity of Józef Koffler</i>

Abstract Józef Koffler (born 1896 in Stryj, died 1943/1944) has so far usually been perceived as a Polish composer of Jewish origin. He was a composer and professor at the PTM Conservatory of Music in Polish Lwów (now Lviv, Ukraine) in the years 1924–1939. This article attempts to analyse his identity against the background of his education, work, professional activity, and circle of acquaintances and friends. The problem deserves attention, especially since the fact that Koffler abandoned Judaism in favour of Christianity before World War II has been completely unknown so far. The composer’s letter of December 1941, especially important in this context, has likewise been unknown. This paper inquires whether baptism influenced Koffler’s career in any way, and whether this decision could have resulted from internal motives. Koffler’s conversion at a rather late age may have been related to his late fatherhood. However, the wish to ensure his son’s full (including religious) assimilation did not necessarily preclude a change in the Koffler couple’s personal beliefs.