Benjamin Cosyn facts for kids
Benjamin Cosyn (born around 1580, died around 1653) was an English musician. He was a talented composer, organist, and a player of the virginal. The virginal was a popular keyboard instrument, similar to a small harpsichord, during his time. Cosyn is best known for putting together two very important collections of music from the Tudor and Stuart periods in England.
Contents
Who Was Benjamin Cosyn?
Benjamin Cosyn was also known by other spellings of his name, like Cosens, Cousins, or Cowsins. He lived during a time when music was changing a lot in England. He was born around 1580 and passed away around September 14, 1653.
His Musical Journey
Cosyn worked as an organist in several important places. An organist is a musician who plays the organ, a large musical instrument with many pipes.
- From 1621 to 1622, he was the organist at St Laurence's Church, Ludlow.
- Then, from 1622 to 1624, he worked at Dulwich College.
- Later, from 1626 to 1643, he was the organist at Charterhouse School.
Important Music Books
Benjamin Cosyn's biggest contribution was creating two valuable music books. These books helped save many musical pieces from his time.
The Cosyn Virginal Book
One of his most famous works is the "Cosyn Virginal Book." This book is dated 1620. It is a collection of keyboard music. Today, you can find this important book at the British Library in London.
- It includes music by famous composers like Thomas Tallis, William Byrd, John Bull, and Orlando Gibbons.
- The book also features many of Cosyn's own musical pieces.
Music for the King's Chapel
In 1652, Cosyn put together another important music book. This one was "for the kings Royall chappell." The Chapel Royal was a group of musicians who performed for the King of England.
- This manuscript contains 35 pieces by other composers of that time.
- It also has 15 of Benjamin Cosyn's own compositions.
- This book is now kept at the Bibliothèque nationale de France in Paris.
