Erich Zeisel was born in Vienna. Durin the 1930’s, he was one of the most famous composers and was awarded with the Austrian State Award, for his Requiem Concertante.
After the Anschluss (1938), he went into exile, first to France and later to the USA. In Austria he composed the chamber opera Leonce and Lena, whose premiere was cancelled because of the Anscluss. Before 1938 Zeisle composed more than a thousand Lieder, but not even one after his escape.
In the USA he composed his Requiem Ebraico (1944-1945), and film music for MGM. He taught music at the Southern California Music School, Los Angeles City College. His works include Lieder, chamber music, ballet music, operas and orchestral music.