Erich Korngold was a child prodigy. Erich started composing at a very early age, and his works enjoyed a great reputation in Vienna where he lived. In 1934, Korngold settled in Los Angeles writing music for the theaters and soundtracks for the motion pictures that enjoyed enormous popularity due to their remarkable accomplishment. Korngold’s traditional compositions were written during his European period. Many of Korngold's piano compositions were commissioned by the pianist Paul Wittgenstein, who had lost his right arm during the WWI.