Role

:

Composer

Country

:

United States of America

Birth

:

June 16, 1895 in New York City, NY

Death

:

January 8, 1946 in Hollywood, CA

Genre

:

Vocal

 

Lew Pollack was an American composer and songwriter who made significant contributions to the world of classical music during the early 20th century. Born on June 16, 1895, in New York City, Pollack grew up in a family of musicians. His father, a violinist, and his mother, a pianist, encouraged him to pursue music from a young age. Pollack began his musical education at the age of six, studying piano and violin. He showed a natural talent for music and quickly progressed in his studies. By the time he was a teenager, he was already performing in local orchestras and composing his own music. In 1913, Pollack enrolled at the New York College of Music, where he studied composition and orchestration. He continued to perform as a violinist and pianist, and he also began to write songs for popular music publishers. His first big break came in 1915 when his song "That's Why I'm Jealous of You" was published and became a hit. Over the next few years, Pollack continued to write popular songs and also began to compose music for Broadway shows. In 1920, he wrote the music for the hit musical "The Midnight Rounders," which ran for over 200 performances. This success led to more opportunities, and Pollack went on to write music for several other Broadway shows, including "The Greenwich Village Follies" and "The Passing Show." Despite his success in the world of popular music and Broadway, Pollack remained committed to classical music. He continued to study composition and orchestration, and he began to write more serious works for the concert hall. In 1924, he wrote his first symphony, which was well-received by critics and audiences alike. Throughout the 1920s and 1930s, Pollack continued to write music for both popular and classical audiences. He wrote several more symphonies, as well as chamber music, choral works, and operas. His music was known for its melodic beauty and emotional depth, and he was praised for his skillful orchestration and use of harmony. One of Pollack's most famous works is his "Concerto for Piano and Orchestra," which he wrote in 1931. The concerto is a virtuosic showcase for the soloist, with fast runs and intricate passages that require great technical skill. But it is also a deeply emotional work, with moments of great tenderness and beauty. Another highlight of Pollack's career was his work as a film composer. In the 1930s and 1940s, he wrote music for several Hollywood films, including "The Big Broadcast of 1936" and "The Singing Kid." His music was often used to underscore dramatic moments in the films, and he was praised for his ability to capture the mood and emotion of the scenes. Despite his success as a composer, Pollack struggled with personal demons throughout his life. He was an alcoholic, and his drinking often interfered with his work. He also suffered from depression and anxiety, which made it difficult for him to maintain relationships with others. In 1946, Pollack died of a heart attack at the age of 51. He left behind a legacy of beautiful music that continues to be performed and appreciated today. His music is known for its emotional depth and melodic beauty, and he is remembered as one of the great composers of the early 20th century.

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