(Joseph) Deems Taylor Born: 22 Dec. 1885, New York, NY Died: 3 July 1966, New York, NY

(U.S. Opera Home Page)

• The King's Henchman (17 Feb. 1927; NY Met)
• Peter Ibbetson (7 Feb. 1931; NY Met, NY Met)
• Ramuntcho, opera in 3 acts; libretto by the composer after P. Loti (10 Feb. 1942; Philadelphia)
• The Dragon, opera in one act for amateur performers; ibretto by the composer after A. Gregory (6 Feb. 1958; New York)

• Cap'n Kidd & Co., comic opera in 2 acts; libretto by W. le Baron (1908)
• The Echo, musical play in 2 acts; libretto by W. le Baron (1909)
• The Breath of Scandal, or, The Mistress of the Seas, operetta in 2 acts, libretto by J. M. Flagg (1916)

An unashamedly populist composer, Deems Taylor had more performances of his works at the Met than any of his contemporaries, with a total of 30. However, his works never impressed critics and shortly after his death they dropped from the public's memory as well.

Songs from The King's Henchman and Peter Ibbetson, on Souvenirs from American Operas. Various artists, 1998. Compact disc: IRCC 818.