Eisler, Hanns 1898-1962
German composer

Born in Leipzig, he studied under Arnold Schoenberg at the Vienna Conservatory (1919-23). A committed Marxist, he wrote political songs, choruses and theatre music, often in collaboration with Bertolt Brecht. From 1933 he worked in Paris, London and Copenhagen, and moved to Hollywood in 1938, teaching and writing film music. Denounced in the McCarthy anti-Communist trials, he returned to Europe in 1948. He settled in East Germany in 1952, composing popular songs and organizing workers' choirs. He wrote about 600 songs and choruses, music for over 40 films, and for nearly 40 plays. In his orchestral and chamber music he often adopted sophisticated techniques including the twelve-note technique.