Coenen, Johannes (Meinardus)

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Coenen, Johannes (Meinardus)

Coenen, Johannes (Meinardus), Dutch bassoonist, conductor, and composer, brother of Cornelis Coenen; b. The Hague, Jan. 28, 1825; d. Amsterdam, Jan. 9, 1899. He received training at the royal music school at The Hague. He was a bassoonist in the court orch. (1840–42), and also made tours as a recitalist. In 1851 he settled in Amsterdam as conductor of the Dutch theater of van Lier. He then was conductor of the Felix Meritis orch. (1857–65) and subsequently of the orch. of the Paleis voor Volksvlijt (1865–96). He composed two operas, about 50 ballets, a Sym. (1865), the overture Floris V, concerti, chamber music, piano pieces, and vocal works.

—Nicolas Slonimsky/Laura Kuhn/Dennis McIntire