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Fanny Arthur Robinson facts for kids

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Fanny Arthur Robinson (born September 1831 – died 31 October 1879) was an English pianist, music teacher, and composer. She spent most of her career in Dublin, Ireland.

Her Life Story

Fanny Robinson was born in Southampton, England. She learned to play the piano in London with famous teachers like William Sterndale Bennett and Sigismund Thalberg.

In February 1849, she performed in Dublin. There, she met Joseph Robinson, who was a conductor, composer, and singer at St. Patrick's Cathedral. They got married on 17 July 1849.

Fanny also performed as a pianist in London and Paris. In 1856, she played her first concert in Ireland. In the same year, she started teaching at the Royal Irish Academy of Music. She continued to play the piano and compose music until she passed away in Dublin in 1879, at the age of 48.

Fanny Robinson was one of the few female composers of her time whose music was published and performed. Her cantata God is Love was her most popular work during her lifetime. Parts of it were sometimes performed as anthems in the cathedrals in Dublin.

Her piano music was typical for the Victorian era. It was very melodic and simple in its harmony, but still lovely and well-written for the piano. Back then, it was common for women's music to be published under their husband's name. So, her music was published as by "Mrs. Joseph Robinson" instead of "Fanny Robinson".

Her Music Works

Here are some of the musical pieces Fanny Robinson composed:

  • God is Love, a cantata for mixed chorus (around 1869)

Piano Pieces

  • Sentiments (1853)
  • The Haymakers. Caprice pastorale (1855)
  • A Dream. Melody (1864)
  • Constancy. Melody (1864)
  • Elf Land. Presto scherzando (1864)
  • The Hunt. Morceau de salon (1864)
  • The Village Fête. Morceau de salon (1864)
  • May Morning. A Sketch (1865)
  • Infant Smiles (1868)
  • Laughing Water. Rondino (1870)
  • Evening Thoughts. Impromptu (1873)
  • Hopes and Fears. Allegro brillante (1876)
  • The Thrush's Song. Pensée musicale (1877)
  • Fête rustique. Morceau du salon (Paris, date unknown)
  • Stella. Valse brillante (Dublin, date unknown)
  • The Song of the Mill-wheel (London, date unknown)

Listening to Her Music

  • Constancy, performed by Alan Etherden (piano), on: Hunters Moon Promotions HMPCD 0183, CD (1989).
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