Reginald De Koven Biography

Reginald De Koven (April 3, 1859 – January 16, 1920) was an American composer, conductor, and music critic. He is best known for his light operas, particularly Robin Hood (1890), which includes the popular song "Oh, Promise Me." Born in Middletown, Connecticut, he studied music in Europe under Léo Delibes and others. De Koven's style blended European classical traditions with American elements, influencing the development of American light opera. He also worked as a music critic for newspapers and was a founding member of ASCAP. His works were widely performed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.