Biographie
Reynaldo HAHN (b. 1874 in Caracas, Venezuela, d. Paris, 1947) was only three when his parents moved to France. As a child prodigy he made his début at the tender age of six in the famous salon of Princess Mathilde, cousin to Emperor Napo- leon III, when he sang Offenbach arias to his own piano accom- paniment. At ten years old he went to the Conservatoire where he was taught by Decombes, Lavignac, Dubois and, above all, Massenet, who became his friend and protector. Most of Hahn’s output was vocal music, with songs, operettas and operas; but he also composed incidental music, concertos, instrumental pieces and chamber music.