From the Archives - Korngold's 'The Sea Hawk'

By Frank Byrne,

Sam Wisman

Published February 23, 2026 at 9:34 AM CST

Erich Wolfgang Korngold was one of the greatest film composers of the early 20^th century. He composed a brilliant score for the 1940 film “The Sea Hawk” starring Errol Flynn. It’s been called “the best swashbuckling film of all time,” and the music is spectacular and great fun.

Compositions and Recordings

The Sea Hawk Suite
by Erich Wolfgang Korngold, arr. by Rumon Gamba
Rumon Gamba and the BBC Philharmonic

The Sea Hawk - Main Title
by Erich Wolfgang Korngold
Erich Wolfgang Korngold and the Warner Bros. Studio Orchestra

From the Archives with Frank Byrne

Frank Byrne

Frank Byrne is the host of From the Archives.

Sam Wisman

Sam Wisman is Production Director for 91.9 Classical KC and a backup announcer for KCUR 89.3