Reginald de Koven

American music critic and prolific composer, particularly of comic operas (April 3, 1859 – January 16, 1920). De Koven was born in Middletown, Connecticut, and moved to Europe in 1870, where he received the majority of his education. After graduation, De Koven moved throughout Europe studying music with the best instructors of his day, including Pruckner, Vannucini, Franz von Suppé, Richard Genée and Léo Delibes. In 1882, De Koven returned the United States, but wouldn't compose for another 6 years. In 1888 he composed his first opera, The Begum, written with librettist Harry B. Smith. The following year he again teamed with Smith to compose the opera Don Quixote. Between 1887 and 1913, de Koven composed 20 light operas, including Robin Hood, The Knickerbockers, The Algerian, The Fencing Master, and Rob Roy. From the years 1890 to 1920, De Koven introduced over 450 popular songs through his operas and operettas. From 1902 to 1904, de Koven conducted the Washington, D.C. symphony. Reginald De Koven died in Chicago, Illinois on January 16, 1920.