Einar Nilson

Biography

Einar Nilson (1881–1964) was a Swedish-American composer, conductor, and musical director known for his work in theater and film. Born in Kristianstad, Sweden, Nilson displayed musical talent from an early age, playing violin in a family trio with his father and brother. His passion for music led him to study at the Royal College of Music in Stockholm before continuing his education in Berlin, where he became associated with the renowned theater director Max Reinhardt. As chief conductor and head of the music department for Reinhardt’s productions, Nilson played a crucial role in shaping the musical landscape of European theater in the early 20th century. He composed and arranged music for numerous stage productions, including Jedermann (Everyman), which became a staple of the Salzburg Festival for decades. His career took him across Europe and the United States, where he eventually settled in the 1930s and became a U.S. citizen. In Hollywood, Nilson worked in the film industry, notably collaborating with Warner Bros. One of his film contributions came in the 1946 film Deception, directed by Irving Rapper, where he coached actor Claude Rains in orchestral conducting for his role as a composer. Nilson also made an uncredited cameo in the film, conducting the orchestra in a pivotal scene featuring Erich Korngold’s Cello Concerto. Beyond his theatrical and cinematic work, Nilson’s compositions and arrangements reflected his deep understanding of classical and contemporary music, often bridging the worlds of theater, film, and symphonic performance. He continued working in music until his retirement in 1960, passing away in Hollywood in 1964.