The remarkable connection between Vienna’s rich musical heritage and Hollywood’s golden age of film is brought to life in the groundbreaking CD production, “Vienna to Hollywood: Impressions of E.W. Korngold & Max Steiner.” This unique project celebrates the music of two legendary composers who shaped the sound of cinema while remaining deeply rooted in their Viennese origins.
Max Steiner and Erich Wolfgang Korngold, both born in Vienna, emigrated to the United States under vastly different circumstances—Steiner during World War I and Korngold fleeing Nazi persecution in the 1930s. Their work in Hollywood revolutionized film scoring, with Steiner pioneering the use of musical leitmotifs in movies like King Kongand Korngold delivering lush, orchestral masterpieces such as The Adventures of Robin Hood. Their music not only defined an era but also set standards for generations of composers to come.
This album bridges the gap between their iconic film scores and the improvisational language of jazz, America’s greatest cultural contribution. Surprisingly, despite the popularity of their music, few jazz interpretations of Steiner’s or Korngold’s works exist. “Vienna to Hollywood” seeks to fill this gap, presenting these timeless melodies in fresh, jazz-infused arrangements that honor their original splendor while embracing modern creativity.
At the heart of this project is drummer and producer Peter Erskine, whose personal journey of discovery began in the 1970s when he first encountered Korngold’s Violin Concerto. The melody sparked a decades-long fascination with the composer’s works, leading Erskine on a quest through antique shops and archives, culminating in this labor of love. The album was realized as a production of the JAM MUSIC LAB University in Vienna, where Erskine collaborated with pianist Danny Grissett and a team of university educators and students. Grissett, whose Los Angeles roots brought an additional layer of authenticity to the project, played a pivotal role in the arrangements and performances.
All arrangements on the album were created by Peter Erskine and Danny Grissett, combining a deep respect for the original compositions with the innovative spirit of jazz improvisation. The album was produced by Peter Erskine, Jeff Levenson, and Marcus Ratka and represents a milestone in collaborative artistic research at JAM MUSIC LAB University.
This CD is not only a musical homage but also part of a broader effort in artistic research spearheaded by the JAM MUSIC LAB University. The university fosters innovative projects that engage with historical themes and place them in a contemporary artistic context. “Vienna to Hollywood” exemplifies this mission, combining rigorous historical exploration with cutting-edge artistic expression. Educators, students, and Erskine himself worked collaboratively, blending academic inquiry with practical artistry to bring this vision to life.
Released on ORIGIN Records, the album was carefully curated and arranged to respect the integrity of the original compositions while exploring the freedom of jazz improvisation. It represents not only a tribute to Steiner and Korngold but also a celebration of the cultural interplay between Vienna and Hollywood.
Musicians Featured on the Album
The project gathered an exceptional lineup of musicians whose artistry brought the music of Steiner and Korngold to life in a jazz context.
- Herwig Gradischnig: Saxophone (1, 3, 6, 9)
- Thomas Gansch: Trumpet (1, 3)
- Bertl Mayer: Harmonica (1, 3, 11)
- Bob Sheppard: Flute (4)
- Judd Miller: EVI (5, 11); Sound Design (12)
- Andreas Varady: Guitar (1, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11)
- Danny Grissett: Piano
- Thatiana Gomes: Double Bass (4, 6, 9, 10)
- Fabricio Pereira: Double Bass (1, 2, 3, 7, 8, 11)
- Peter Erskine: Drums; Percussion (7, 9)
- Flip Philipp: Vibraphone (4, 5, 8, 9); Percussion (9)
- Brian Kilgore: Percussion (1)
- Alyssa Park: Violin (12)
String Quartet: Courtesy of the Vienna Radio Symphony Orchestra
- 1st Violin: Kristina Šuklar
- 2nd Violin: Anastasia Lindberg
- Viola: Mario Gheorghiu
- Cello: Julia Schreyvogel
“Vienna to Hollywood” is more than a recording; it is a musical dialogue between two worlds, showcasing the timeless beauty of Steiner’s and Korngold’s melodies through the lens of jazz. This project is a bold reminder of how music transcends time, geography, and genre, creating new bridges of understanding and appreciation.
Available now on ORIGIN Records, “Vienna to Hollywood” invites listeners to experience the magic of Vienna’s classical legacy intertwined with Hollywood’s cinematic imagination—reimagined in the vibrant language of jazz. For more information, please contact Marcus Ratka: ratka@jammusiclab.com