Sigmund Romberg

Romberg studied violin and composition as a youth in Vienna, but pursued a career as an engineer. Moving to the USA in 1909, Romberg made his living as a pianist and dance-band leader. He began to publish his compositions in 1912, and in 1914 he took a position as staff composer for the Schubert reviews. He wrote romantic operettas at this time, and his efforts produced the last popular works of that genre. He moved on to American musical comedy with Up in Central Park and included the works of Gershwin, Rodgers and Jolson in his stage shows. Romberg moved to Hollywood in the 1930's, adapting his stage works for film and writing film scores. He toured the USA with his own orchestra from 1942 until his death in 1951. More information on this artist can be found in the 1954 film biography of his life, Deep in My Heart.