Irena Regina Poldowski (1879 - 1932)

Poldowski adopted her pen name to ensure that recognition of her identity would be based on her merits as a composer rather than association with the famous musical family into which she was born, or the titled name into which she married. However, in publications of her music, as well as in library and biographical dictionary listings, Poldowski's creative work is also often found under her other names, Irene [Irena] Regina Wieniawska and Lady Dean Paul. A Polish composer, Poldowski lived and composed in London and Paris. Her compositions are mainly for small forces, including many songs that are stylistically close to those of her French contemporaries.