Sigmund Romberg is often considered to be the link between the richly melodic world of operetta and that of the American stage musical. Born in Hungary, he emigrated to America in 1909 where he found work as a pianist and band-leader at a restaurant, which became a stepping-stone to a composing career in Tin Pan Alley, Hollywood and on Broadway. Romberg contributed songs to some 66 revues and musicals and 7 screen musicals. His stage musical The New Moon (1928) was filmed twice in 1930 and 1940. After a spell in Hollywood where he wrote Viennese Nights and May Wine among others, Romberg returned to Broadway with Sunny River. His penultimate show Up in Central Park enjoyed a run of 504 performances.