Erich Wolfgang Korngold (May 29, 1897 - Nov. 29, 1957) was an Austrian born composer, conductor, and a child prodigy. The son of a music critic, Korngold was playing piano alongside his father at age five, and was writing his own music by age seven. Gustav Mahler said that Korngold was a "musical genius", and suggested he study with Alexander von Zemlinsky. Richard Strauss spoke very highly of him as well. Korngold went on to compose many movie scores, operas, and orchestral works.

One of his earliest works that isn't played very often is Overture to Der Schneemann (The Snowman) He wrote it at the tender age of eleven, and his father, a music critic,  said of it: "If I could write such music, I would not be a music critic." Der Schneemann is an entire short ballet suite, but today we are just looking at the overture.

Clocking in around four minutes, it's a short, waltz-like piece that starts in 6/4. The main melody is presented immediately; it's whimsical and slightly nostalgic. In the middle there is a very short march-like line, before going to a waltz as the piece moves to 3/4 time, yet still retains its whimsy before shortly returning to the main theme. It's a very short piece, yet full of cheer, and charming melodies. It's even more incredible knowing that it came from an eleven year old!

Here are some recordings for you to enjoy!

BBC Philharmonic Orchestra
ORF Radio Symphonieorchester Wein