Reynaldo Hahn (1875-1947) is best remembered for his songs. Of which, the popular “Si Mes Vers Avaient des Ailes,” best exemplifies the easy salon elegance of his style; however, his music for the theatre is much more voluminous.
In addition to several ballets and incidental scores, Hahn composed 17 operas, operettas and musical plays. Most of these works are comedies with singing and dialogue. This is a genre in which Hahn, with his love of classical lightness, wit and good taste, excelled.
“At all costs,” Hahn once said, “heaviness and boredom are to be avoided; the Muses do not wear glasses.”
On display are 10 opera scores, all in first edition, representing the light, frothy and inventive nature of Hahn’s compositional style. Several scores are autographed, including a presentation copy of "Le Carmélite" to Jules Massenet, the quintessential French opera composer and Hahn’s teacher at the Paris Conservatoire.
The exhibit will be on display through Dec. 15 in the Music Library. All scores are from the private collection of Robert Mills, clinical associate professor and vocal coach for the Lyric Opera.
For further information or questions, please contact Robert Mills at Robert.Mills@asu.edu.
