Reginald De Koven

Full biography Reginald De Koven

Reginald De Koven (1859-1920) was a celebrated American composer, known for his operettas and operas. He was born as Henry Louis Reginald in Middletown, Connecticut and later changed his name to Reginald De Koven.

Reginald De Koven began his career as a lawyer in New York, but his passion was always music. He began composing music and eventually became a music critic before transitioning to composing full-time. He trained in Europe, where he studied under famous musicians such as composer Antonín Dvořák and conductor Leopold Damrosch.

De Koven's music was heavily influenced by the European operetta tradition, and his most famous work is "Robin Hood," which premiered in Chicago in 1890 and became an immediate success. Some of his other notable works include "The Highwayman" (1897) and "The Student King" (1906).

De Koven was a prolific composer and over the course of his career, he wrote numerous operettas and operas. He also collaborated with some of the leading librettists of his time, including Harry B. Smith and Clement Scott. De Koven was highly regarded during his lifetime, and he was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame posthumously in 1970.

In addition to his music career, De Koven was also an author and a socialite. He was married to Anna Farwell, who was a novelist and historian. They were part of New York City's high society and entertained other wealthy and famous people of their time.

Reginald De Koven passed away in Chicago in 1920 at the age of 60. His legacy lives on through his music, which continues to be performed and appreciated to this day.