Alexandre Tansman (1897-1986) was a Polish-born composer and pianist who made his career largely in France. Born in Łódź, he settled in Paris and became part of the cosmopolitan musical world between the wars.

His works include symphonies, concertos, chamber music, piano pieces, guitar music and film scores. During the Second World War he spent time in the United States before returning to France.

Tansman’s music is clear, elegant and rhythmically alert, often combining Polish roots, French neoclassical polish and modern harmonic colour. It has craft, wit and cosmopolitan ease.

Though still underrepresented, he is an important twentieth-century figure. Tansman’s music sounds like a traveller who packed lightly but very intelligently.