Hans-Otto Borgmann was born on October 20, 1901, in Hannover, Germany, and passed away on July 26, 1977, in Berlin, Germany. He was a prominent German composer known for his work in film music during the Third Reich. Borgmann began his career in the film industry in 1928 when he joined UFA as a silent film music conductor, quickly rising to the position of head composer by 1931. Among his notable compositions was a melody for a documentary on Svalbard island, which was later adapted by Hitler Youth leader Baldur von Schirach as an anthem for the organization.

Borgmann's filmography includes a wide array of films such as "A Certain Mr. Gran" (1933), "F. P. 1 Doesn't Answer" (1933), and "The Csardas Princess" (1934). He collaborated with director Veit Harlan on several films from 1937 to 1951. After World War II, Borgmann continued his career as a film composer and later transitioned to lecturing at the Max Reinhardt Theatre from 1959 to 1971, during which he also composed atonal music privately.

Throughout his career, Borgmann was recognized for his application of the leitmotif technique in film scores, similar to the work of Max Steiner in Hollywood. His contributions to music extended beyond film, setting the words of famous writers like Erich Kästner and Bertold Brecht to music. Despite his involvement with the Nazi regime, Borgmann's musical legacy remains significant in the history of German cinema.