Date of Birth: July 6, 1898
Zodiac Sign: Cancer
Date of Death: September 6, 1962
Biography
Hanns Eisler was a prominent Austrian composer born on July 6, 1898, in Leipzig, Germany. He is best known for his collaboration with playwright Bertolt Brecht and his significant contributions to both classical and popular music. Eisler’s early musical education was influenced by his studies under the notable composer Arnold Schoenberg, which helped him develop a unique compositional style that combined elements of modernism with political activism. During the rise of the Nazi regime, Eisler’s leftist political inclinations forced him to flee Germany. He spent a significant part of his exile in the United States, where he composed music for Hollywood films and taught at various institutions. However, his political views led to his blacklisting during the McCarthy era, and he was eventually deported from the United States in 1948. Returning to Europe, Eisler settled in East Germany, where he continued to compose and teach. He wrote East Germany’s national anthem and was a crucial figure in the cultural life of the German Democratic Republic (GDR). His works include symphonies, chamber music, lieder, and film scores, characterized by their innovative blending of traditional and contemporary elements. Eisler’s music remains influential, reflecting his deep commitment to social justice and his ability to integrate music with political and social themes. He passed away on September 6, 1962, in East Berlin.
5 Interesting Facts about Hanns Eisler
1. Hanns Eisler was a student of Arnold Schoenberg, one of the most significant composers and theoreticians of the 20th century.
2. He collaborated extensively with Bertolt Brecht, including on the famous “The Threepenny Opera.”
3. Eisler was nominated for an Academy Award for his score for the film “Hangmen Also Die!” (1943).
4. He composed the national anthem of East Germany, “Auferstanden aus Ruinen” (“Risen from the Ruins”).
5. Eisler was deported from the United States during the McCarthy era due to his political beliefs.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Hanns Eisler
1. “Music can be a powerful weapon in the fight for justice.”
2. “A composer must be aware of the social and political context in which he writes.”
3. “Art should serve the people, not the elite.”
4. “To make music is to express the inexpressible, to say what cannot be said in words.”
5. “The artist’s duty is to reflect the times in which we live.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
Hanns Eisler’s highest net worth is not well-documented, but his influence and contributions to music and culture are considered invaluable.
Children
Hanns Eisler had three children: Georg Eisler, Ruth Fischer, and Stephan Hermlin. Georg Eisler became a renowned painter.
Relevant Links
1. [Wikipedia: Hanns Eisler](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hanns_Eisler
2. [IMDB: Hanns Eisler](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0251828/
3. [Britannica: Hanns Eisler](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Hanns-Eisler
4. [Music and Politics: Hanns Eisler](https://www.musicandpolitics.net/eisler
5. [East German National Anthem](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U6QjSM6O7kI
