When individuality is allied to talent the world stands ready to
recognize, applaud and recompense. But the welding process is not to
be accomplished without faithful and constant effort. The results
approximate genius so closely that the division between it and mere
talent is more theoretical than absolute. All this applies to Henry L.
R. De Koven, the composer, who is one of the younger, and, at the same
time, one of the most successful of American musicians. Comic operas
there are and comic operas there will be, but in most instances the
end of their vogue marks also the end of their existence. In the case
of Robin Hood, The Highwayman, and other of Mr. De Koven’s works, it
is otherwise. Those named and others bid fair to remain popular beyond
the limits of this generation. The composer was born at Littleton,
Connecticut, April 5, 1861, his father being a clergyman. At first
educated in public schools, he later went abroad, and was graduated
from Oxford, England, in 1880. Like other successful composers, he
gave indications of his love of music at an early age, and, during
his college course, fostered his special gifts by constant study.
After graduating, he studied still further under masters at Stuttgart,
Florence, Paris and Vienna. On returning to this country he acted as
musical critic on various publications coincidently with his work as a
composer. Apart from his many operas he has written a number of songs.
In 1884 he married Anna Farwell.