Reynaldo Hahn

Reynaldo Hahn was a Venezuelan-born French composer, conductor, music critic, and diarist best known for his songs including 'Si mes vers avaient des ailes' and for his opera 'L'ile du rêve'. Born in Caracas, Hahn showed musical talent at a young age and moved to France, where he studied at the Paris Conservatoire under Jules Massenet. His music exhibits a polished, sentimental style marked by Parisian elegance, reflecting the tastes of the Belle Époque. Hahn served in World War I, and after the war, became a well-respected music critic and conductor. He also directed the Paris Opéra and was a member of the Legion of Honour.