Erich Wolfgang Korngold (1897-1957) was the last compositional prodigy to emerge from the Austro-German tradition of Mozart and Mendelssohn. He was lauded in his youth by everyone from Mahler to Puccini and his auspicious career in the early 1900s spanned chamber music, opera, and musical theater. Today, he is best known for his Hollywood film scores, composed between 1935 and 1947.

Daniel Goldmark is professor of music and director of the Center for Popular Music Studies at Case Western Reserve University. His books include Tunes for 'Toons. Kevin C. Karnes is professor of music at Emory University. His books include Arvo Pärt's "Tabula Rasa."