Franz Waxman (1906-1967) was a German and American composer of Jewish descent, known primarily for his work in the film music genre. His 150 film scores include Bride of Frankenstein (1935), Rebecca (1940), Sunset Boulevard (1950), and A Place in the Sun (1951). He received twelve Academy Award nominations, and won two Oscars in consecutive years, for Sunset Boulevard and A Place in the Sun. Waxman also composed concert works, including Sinfonietta for string orchestra and timpani (1955), the oratorio Joshua (1959), and The Song of Terezin (1965). The Oratorio is dedicated to the memory of Alice Waxman and was first performed on May 23, 1959 with the Temple Emanu-El Choir, conducted by Samuel Adler, the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, in the sanctuary of the Temple in Dallas, Texas, under the composer’s direction. Waxman also founded the Los Angeles Music Festival in 1947.