The small community of people who design electronic musical instruments has lost a unique imagination. Word arrived yesterday that Wlodzimierz “Wowa” Cwejman of Cwejman Music had died.
Maho Cwejman shared the news via Facebook:
I’m incredibly sad to say that Wlodzimierz Cwejman (Wowa ) passed away yesterday. Wowa was an incredible man making great things and I love that we made so many together.
Right now I hope you appreciate I need some time but will come back as soon as possible with an update to Cwejman. I want to thank everyone for your support and kind words?
Wlodzimierz Cwejman 1949-2021
Thanks to everyone who sent this my way.
Wowa Cwejman has a long and legendary history in the creation of original synthesizers, dating back to the 1970 SYNTHRA. That legacy got rebooted in the last two decades, with a new generation of Cwejman instruments – their own S1 modular, as well as the more accessible Eurorack line of modules, with its own complete catalog.
Wowa Cwejman was unquestionably the driving force and mind behind these instruments – and his particular personality was all over the company and its output. (I don’t want to speculate about the future of Cwejman Music yet; his survivors promise an update and now have plenty to process.)
I feel fortunate to have encountered Cwejman thanks to Andreas Schneider. My condolences to family and friends and everyone who worked with him. I know it’s especially hard to lose people right now.
Sound on Sound‘s Gordon Reid, as Synthtopia notes, wrote a rich 3-part series on the modular line – as good a way to remember and know a synth designer as any, through their work.
Cwejman Synthesis Modules: Part 1
Cwejman Synthesis Modules: Part 2
Cwejman Synthesis Modules: Part 3
And here some videos on the creator and instruments:
https://www.cwejman.net/index.htm
He also figures in the 2009 documentary on Schneider’s synth outlet, Totally Wired.
Synth Anatomy has written a kind and personal obituary: