Walter Jurmann Plaque

Can a melody capture a city’s soul? Here at the Walter Jurmann Plaque, we uncover the story of a man whose music did just that. The Walter Jurmann Plaque, nestled in Vienna, commemorates the birthplace of a musical prodigy. Walter Jurmann, born here on October 12, 1903, gifted the world with melodies that danced from Vienna’s elegant cafes to Hollywood’s silver screen. Initially a medical student, Jurmann’s passion for music led him to abandon his studies and embrace the piano. He found success in Berlin with hits like “Du bist nicht die Erste.” His most enduring piece from that era is “Veronika, der Lenz ist da,” a song made famous by the Comedian Harmonists. With the advent of sound in film, Jurmann’s talents found a new canvas. He began composing film scores, starting with “Ihre Majestät, die Liebe” in 1930. His melodies were so infectious that audiences reportedly hummed them the very next day. The rise of Nazism forced Jurmann to flee Berlin for Paris in 1933. There, he continued composing, adding French influences to his repertoire. A fateful meeting with Louis B. Mayer led to a seven-year contract with MGM, launching Jurmann’s Hollywood career. He collaborated with Bronisław Kaper, scoring films like “Mutiny on the Bounty,” “San Francisco,” and Marx Brothers comedies like “A Night at the Opera” and “A Day at the Races.” He even composed for Judy Garland in “Presenting Lily Mars.” Jurmann eventually settled in Los Angeles but continued composing until his death in 1971. He died of a heart attack in Budapest, his wife’s hometown. His final resting place is Hollywood Forever Cemetery. The Walter Jurmann Plaque serves as a harmonious reminder of a composer who transcended borders and genres, leaving an indelible mark on the world of music.