Was it here in Madrid in 1895 that the Venezuelan-born composer Reynaldo Hahn lived? This plaque commemorates Reynaldo Hahn. It marks a place where he once resided. Reynaldo Hahn was more than just a composer. He was a pianist of renown. He later became the Musical Director of the Paris Opera.
Reynaldo Hahn’s life story is one of international flair. He was born in Caracas in 1875. He passed away in Paris in 1947. His talents spanned several artistic fields. He excelled as a composer. He was a conductor. Reynaldo Hahn wrote too. He worked as a music critic and a pianist.
A photograph captures Hahn at his Madrid workspace in 1895. The photo is part of the Countess of Forceville’s collection. It shows him at the Postigo de San Martín.
Though he gained French nationality at 35 Reynaldo Hahn was Venezuelan by birth. His father Carlos Hahn came from Hamburg. Carlos moved to Caracas when he was young. There he married Maria Elena Etxenagusia. She was of Basque origin. Maria played a key role in Reynaldo’s early music education.
His family had strong Spanish connections. Reynaldo’s sister Maria married Raimundo Madrazo. Raimundo was the son of the portraitist Federico Madrazo. Reynaldo was also linked to Coco de Madrazo. Coco’s full name was Federico. He collaborated with Jean Cocteau on Hahn’s ballet “Le Dieu blue” 1912.
Reynaldo Hahn’s connection to writer Marcel Proust is well-known. Coco de Madrazo joined their circle. Proust’s biographer, Georges D. Painter described Hahn as a young man. He was a favored student of Massenet. Hahn excelled as a singer, pianist and composer. Painter noted Hahn’s Jewish heritage and his birth in Caracas. He lived in Paris with his family. Proust met Hahn in the summer at Mme. Lemaire’s receptions.
From 1899 Reynaldo Hahn composed six operas, five operettas and nine ballets. He also composed at least five musical comedies. His chamber compositions stand out. His piano pieces are notable. His lieder are very popular. Reynaldo Hahn is considered a leading figure of musical impressionism. He stands alongside Claude Debussy and Maurice Ravel.
After World War II Reynaldo Hahn became the director of the Paris Opera. This was shortly before his death. He left a lasting legacy in music. This Reynaldo Hahn Plaque serves as a reminder of his time here. It connects him to the city of Madrid. It links him to a vibrant period of artistic creation.