Hageman

Richard Hageman Concert Programme
 

In 2016 it had been 50 years since the Dutch born composer, pianist and conductor Richard Hageman died in his home in Los Angeles. Although he was very successful during his life, Richard Hageman and his songs are almost completely forgotten. With South-African pianist and researcher Nico de Villiers, Debora has made a special concert programme of Hageman's most beautiful songs.

Both Nico and Debora first heard of Hageman during their studies because they were equally inspired by the only well recognised song by him, “Do not go my love”, which portrays in a most gentle way the love and desperation of two lovers. Debora and Nico suspected this was not the only song that Hageman had written. Nico De Villiers decided to dedicate his doctorate to the life and work of Richard Hageman and eventually found 69 Hageman songs in dusty archives all over America.

But who was Richard Hageman? Richard Hageman was born in Leeuwarden in 1881 and spent his early career working for the Dutch National Opera as a conductor. With French Cabaret Singer Yvette Guilbert he toured through America and decided to stay there. For many years he was Head of the Metropolitan Opera in New York, where he worked with people like Enrico Caruso and Sergei Rachmaninoff. In addition to his work as conductor he also wrote film music, mostly for the films of John Ford. He has been nominated for an Oscar 5 times and won a joint one, for the music of Stagecoach, also by John Ford. He also wrote one opera, “Caponsachi”, and 69 songs.
Debora and Nico hope that his songs will find their way to Dutch concert halls.

If you are interested in the music of Hageman, please do not hesitate to contact Debora via the contact form on this website for more information.