Maximilian Raoul "Max" Steiner (May 10, 1888 – December 28, 1971) was a distinguished composer of film and theatrical music, originally hailing from Austria before making a significant impact in America. Displaying remarkable talent from a young age, Steiner conducted his first operetta at just twelve, and by fifteen, he had embarked on a professional career in music, undertaking roles as a composer, arranger, and conductor.
Over his prolific career, Steiner created more than 300 film scores while working with major studios such as RKO and Warner Brothers. His exceptional work earned him 24 Academy Award nominations, culminating in three wins for his scores in The Informer (1935), Now, Voyager (1942), and Since You Went Away (1944). Among his most celebrated compositions are the iconic scores for films like King Kong (1933), Little Women (1933), Jezebel (1938), Casablanca (1942), The Searchers (1956), and A Summer Place (1959). However, he is perhaps best remembered for his unforgettable score for Gone with the Wind (1939).
In addition to his Academy Awards, Steiner was the inaugural recipient of the Golden Globe Award for Best Original Score, awarded for his work on Life with Father. His collaborations with legendary directors such as Michael Curtiz, John Ford, and Frank Capra further solidified his reputation as a leading force in the world of film music.
