Tango of Death
| Company type | Musical ensemble |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1941 |
| Defunct | 1944 |
| Headquarters | Lviv , Ukraine |
| Products | Musical performances |
Tango of Death was a Jewish ensemble active within the Janowska concentration camp, located near what is now Lviv, Ukraine.
History
Following the capture of Lviv in June 1941, the German authorities, with support from the Ukrainian auxiliary police—formed by members of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists—set up the Janowska concentration camp.
The formation of the orchestra was led by the deputy commandant, Rokita, who had a background as a jazz violinist. Known for his extreme cruelty and rivalry in brutality, Rokita was among the harshest figures at Janowska.
Composed of 40 highly skilled Jewish musicians from Lviv, some with recognition across Europe, the orchestra was conducted by violinist Jacob Mund, former musical director of local theaters. Other prominent performers included violinists Josef German and Leonid Stricks, as well as cellist Leon Eber. During selections and executions, the group played a tango called "Todestango" (Tango of Death), which was composed by Yakub Mund. This piece drew inspiration from the Polish tango To ostatnia niedziela (The Last Sunday), a popular 1935 tune by Jewish pianist Jerzy Petersburski.
Just prior to the liberation of Lviv, all members of the orchestra were executed. Survivor Bohdan Kokh remembered: "The most dreadful day was the final one, when 25,000 Jews were killed... The last orchestra performed 'Tango of Death' before stepping into the pit."
Afterwards, a sonderkommando unit was created to erase evidence of Nazi atrocities committed at Janowska.