Erich Wolfgang Korngold (1897–1957) was a prodigiously talented Austrian composer whose musical genius manifested early in his life, leading to a prominent career that bridged both classical and film music. Born in Brno, which was then part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, Korngold was a child prodigy akin to the likes of Mozart. His abilities in composition were evident by age 11, when his ballet music "Der Schneemann" (The Snowman) was performed at the Vienna Court Opera.

In classical music, Korngold was a leading figure in the late-Romantic era, continuing the lush, complex musical language pioneered by composers such as Richard Strauss and Gustav Mahler. His works include operas, chamber music, and orchestral works, with many of them enjoying success particularly in the German-speaking world prior to World War II. Noteworthy compositions include his operas "Die tote Stadt" and "Das Wunder der Heliane", as well as his lushly orchestrated film scores.

With the rise of Nazism, Korngold, who was Jewish, emigrated to the United States, where he made a significant mark on Hollywood during its "Golden Age." He is often heralded for elevating the art of film music, winning Academy Awards for best original score with "Anthony Adverse" (1936) and "The Adventures of Robin Hood" (1938). His music for film is characterized by its symphonic richness and complexity, often cited as a foundation for the style that would become synonymous with epic cinema scores.

Despite Korngold's success in film, he remained dedicated to concert music, a fact echoed through posthumous releases of his non-film works such as the "String Quartet No. 1, Op. 16" and "Piano Quintet in E Major, Op. 15". Despite being somewhat overshadowed by his film scores during his later years, Korngold's concert music has seen a resurgence in interest, reaffirming his place as a significant musical voice of the 20th century. His aesthetic continues to influence and inspire both classical musicians and film composers to this day.

Genres

Classic Soundtrack

Early Modern Classical

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The Four Seasons & Other Treasures for Violin. Vivaldi, Mozart, Bach, Debussy, Kreisler...

Itzhak Perlman•

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Album - 41 Tracks - Released October 24, 2024