Role

:

Composer

Birth

:

May 18, 1905 in Vienna, Austria

Death

:

February 18, 1959 in Los Angeles, CA

Period

:

Modern

Genre

:

Chamber

 

 

Choral

 

Erich Zeisl was a prominent Austrian-American composer of classical music. He was born on May 18, 1905, in Vienna, Austria, to a Jewish family. His father, Ignaz Zeisl, was a successful businessman, and his mother, Bertha, was a talented pianist. Erich showed an early interest in music and began taking piano lessons at the age of six. He later studied composition with Richard Stöhr at the Vienna Academy of Music. In 1927, Zeisl's first major work, a string quartet, was performed in Vienna. The piece was well-received, and Zeisl began to establish himself as a promising young composer. He continued to write chamber music, including a piano trio and a sonata for violin and piano, which were also well-received. In 1933, Zeisl's life took a dramatic turn when the Nazis came to power in Germany. As a Jew, he was no longer safe in Austria and was forced to flee the country. He moved to Paris, where he continued to compose and perform. However, the outbreak of World War II forced him to flee again, this time to the United States. In the United States, Zeisl settled in Los Angeles and began to establish himself as a composer in the film industry. He wrote music for several films, including "The Postman Always Rings Twice" and "Knock on Any Door." However, he continued to write classical music as well, including a piano concerto and a symphony. Zeisl's music is characterized by its emotional intensity and lyricism. He was influenced by the music of Gustav Mahler and Richard Strauss, as well as the Viennese tradition of classical music. His works often feature lush harmonies and soaring melodies, as well as complex rhythms and textures. One of Zeisl's most famous works is his Requiem Ebraico, or Jewish Requiem. The piece was written in memory of the victims of the Holocaust and was first performed in 1958. It is a powerful and moving work that combines elements of Jewish liturgical music with classical choral music. The piece has been performed around the world and is considered one of Zeisl's greatest achievements. Another notable work by Zeisl is his Clarinet Sonata, which was written in 1942. The piece is a virtuosic showcase for the clarinet and features complex rhythms and harmonies. It has become a staple of the clarinet repertoire and is considered one of Zeisl's most important chamber works. Zeisl continued to compose until his death in 1959. His music has been performed and recorded by many prominent musicians and ensembles, and his legacy as a composer of classical music continues to be celebrated today.

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