Description: This is a rare cancelled check signed by REGINALD DE KOVEN, composer of the 1890 comic opera "ROBIN HOOD" and issued by the Riggs National Bank in Washington, D.C. on June 1st, 1901 ..... Biographical Note: Henry Louis Reginald De Koven (April 3rd, 1859 – January 16th, 1920) was an American music critic, conductor, and prolific composer, particularly of comic operas, who helped establish the style of American light opera. De Koven was born in Middletown, Connecticut, but in 1870, when Reginald was eleven, the family moved to England, where he received the majority of his education. He graduated from St. John’s College of Oxford University in England in 1879 and undertook various musical studies in Stuttgart, Germany. De Koven returned to the U.S. in 1882 to live in Chicago, Illinois, where he worked in a brokerage firm until his marriage to Anna Farwell, and later lived in New York City. In 1883, De Koven started a dry-goods business that became very successful. With the steady income, he was able to return to music. With his wide musical knowledge, he found his scope as a critic with Chicago’s "Evening Post", "Harper’s Weekly", and the "New York World". Between 1887 and 1913, De Koven composed twenty light operas, beginning with "The Begum" in1887 (libretto by Harry B. Smith), in addition to hundreds of songs (over 450), orchestral works, two piano sonatas, and ballets. In 1888 he again teamed with Smith to compose the opera "Don Quixote". From 1902 to 1904, De Koven conducted the Washington, D.C. Symphony, which he helped organize. De Koven’s greatest success was "Robin Hood", also with libretto by Harry B. Smith, which premiered at the Chicago Opera House on June 9th, 1890 but was performed all across the country. It played in New York at the Standard Theatre in 1891 and in London the same year, retitled "Maid Marian", and it continued to be revived for many years. Many of his songs became popular, especially “Oh Promise Me” from "Robin Hood", with words by Clement Scott, which was one of the biggest song successes of its time and remains a wedding standard. (Reprinted in part from the Walker Home School website) ..... DETAILS: This rare check measures approx. 6 3/4" X 2 3/4" inches, has a perforated edge on the left side and was endorsed on the backside by a Washington, D.C. doctor ..... CONDITION: With the exception of a light vertical crease and minor edge wear, this rare cancelled check is in excellent condition and will make a wonderful addition to the collection of any musical theatre aficionado or historian. This item will be carefully packaged in a protective, carded sleeve and backed by stiff cardboard.
Price: 159.99 USD
Location: Cannon Beach, Oregon
End Time: 2025-01-08T02:04:00.000Z
Shipping Cost: 6.95 USD
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Item Specifics
Restocking Fee: No
Return shipping will be paid by: Buyer
All returns accepted: Returns Accepted
Item must be returned within: 30 Days
Refund will be given as: Money Back
Industry: Theater
Product: Cancelled Checks
Genre: Broadway Musicals
Country/Region of Manufacture: United States
Original / Reproduction: Original - U.S.
Date: 1900 - 1909
