Erich Wolfgang Korngold 1897 – 1957

Biography

Erich Wolfgang Korngold was born on May 29, 1897, in Brno, where his early life unfolded in the rich musical traditions of Central Europe. A composer and conductor of remarkable talent, he would go on to shape the landscape of film music in the twentieth century. His journey from Austria to America reflected both the artistic ambitions of his era and the dramatic historical shifts that reshaped European society during his lifetime.

Korngold’s career spanned composition and conducting, disciplines in which he developed a distinctive voice marked by romantic sensibility and orchestral sophistication. His work bridged classical concert traditions with the emerging art of cinema, helping to establish film scoring as a serious compositional endeavor. He became an influential figure in Hollywood, where his talents found expression in projects that required both dramatic sensitivity and technical mastery.

He spent his later years in Hollywood, where he remained until his death on November 29, 1957. Korngold left behind a significant legacy that continues to resonate with musicians and film enthusiasts alike. He was laid to rest at Hollywood Forever Cemetery in Los Angeles, a final resting place that reflects the adopted home where he had achieved his greatest recognition and contributed substantially to the art forms he loved.