Skip to main content

Elian, Louise, 1906-2002

 Person

Dates

  • Existence: 1906 - 2002

Parallel Names

  • Klos, Louise Martha
  • Steiner, Louise

Biography

Louise Elian (1906-2002) was a well-known American harpist.

Louise Elian was born June 3, 1906, in Buchanan, Missouri to Edward Klos and Mary Francis Seick. Louise married famous film music composer Max Steiner in 1936, and they had one son, Ronald, who died at age 22. Max and Louise divorced after ten years of marriage, and Louise eventually remarried to floral designer Frederick Elian.

Louise was a well-known harpist, featured in original film music scores of "Gone With the Wind" and "Casablanca." She played harp in symphonies into her 80s. Louise died in West Palm Beach, Florida, on July 7, 2002.

Citation:
Los Angeles Times (Louise Elian; Died July 7, 2002; Harpist whose music was heard on the original scores of "Gone With the Wind" and "Casablanca." Married to Max Steiner for 10 years, film music composer; 1963, married floral designer Frederick Elian, who died in 1983; played in symphonies into her 80s) https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2002-jul-16-me-passing16.1-story.html

FamilySearch, via www, May 2, 2024 (Louise Klos Steiner Elian was born June 3, 1906, in Buchanan, Missouri to Edward Klos and Mary Francis Seick. Louise married Max Steiner in 1936, and they had one son, Ronald, who died at age 22. Died on 7 July 2002, in West Palm Beach, Florida)

Findagrave.com, via www, May 2, 2024 (Louise Steiner Klos Elian)

Found in 13 Collections and/or Records:

Louise Steiner Elian papers

 Collection — Multiple Containers
Identifier: MSS 2166
Abstract

These papers document Elian's life and career as a harp soloist from the 1910s onward, her year as a musician in Hollywood studio orchestras (1926-1954), and significantly her marriage (1936-1946) to film composer Max Steiner. Also covered is Elian's concert career as a member of symphony orchestras and ballet companies as well as soloist appearing worldwide (1950-1986).

Dates: 1919-1986

Louise Elian interview recording, 1995 May 7

 File — Carton 2: [Barcode: 31197239252890]
Identifier: MSS 9068 File AV024
Scope and Contents

In two parts. Discussion of Max Steiner and West Palm Beach, Florida; reviewing photographs together.

Dates: 1995 May 7

Louise Elian interview recording, 1996 October 11

 File — Carton 2: [Barcode: 31197239252890]
Identifier: MSS 9068 File AV029_01

Louise Elian interview recording, 1999 June 9

 File — Carton 2: [Barcode: 31197239252890]
Identifier: MSS 9068 File AV027-028
Scope and Contents

In three parts. Louise Steiner identifies her home movies.

Dates: 1999 June 9

Louise Steiner Elian assorted papers, undated

 Series
Identifier: MSS 2166 Series 1
Scope and Contents

The series is a compilation of personal papers such as photographs, letters, programs, music, Max Steiner's baptismal certificate, and Ronald Steiner's baby books.

Dates: Other: undated

Additional filters:

Type
Archival Object 12
Collection 1
 
Subject
Interviews 8
Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences 5
Audiocassettes 5
Hollywood (Los Angeles, Calif.) 5
Motion picture music 5