Joseph Robinson (composer) facts for kids

Joseph Robinson (born August 16, 1815 – died August 23, 1898) was a very important Irish musician. He was a talented composer, a singer with a deep voice (called a baritone), a conductor who led musical groups, and a teacher. He played a big role in shaping the music scene in Dublin during his lifetime.

Joseph Robinson's Musical Journey

Early Life and Family

Joseph Robinson was born in Ireland in 1815. His father, Francis Robinson senior, was a "writing master" at Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin. His father also helped start the Philharmonic Society in Dublin.

From 1823 to 1831, Joseph was a chorister at St Patrick's Cathedral, Dublin. This means he was a young singer in the church choir. When his voice changed, he took over from his brother John as the organist at Sandford Church in Dublin.

Later, Joseph became a "vicar choral" (a professional singer) at Christ Church and St Patrick's Cathedrals. He performed there for many years. Joseph had three brothers who were also musicians: Francis junior, William, and John. People called them "the four wonderful brothers." They often sang together as a group, performing special songs called glees and partsongs.

Leading Music Societies

In 1834, Joseph Robinson started a private singing group called the Antient Concerts Society. This group grew to become Dublin's most important orchestra and choir. It was known as the "hub of Dublin's musical life" in the mid-1800s. Joseph led this society until 1862.

He also conducted other groups, like the University of Dublin Choral Society and the Philharmonic Society. Joseph even met the famous composer Felix Mendelssohn-Bartholdy in 1846. He successfully asked Mendelssohn to arrange the music for his piece Hear my Prayer for the Antient Concerts Society to perform.

In 1849, Joseph married an English pianist named Fanny Arthur. Their home became a popular place for famous musicians from around the world to visit, including the violinist Joseph Joachim. Joseph loved conducting at huge concerts with many singers and musicians. He led music at big events like the Cork Industrial Exhibition in 1852 and the Great Industrial Exhibition in Dublin in 1853. He also conducted for important celebrations, such as the anniversaries of Daniel O'Connell (1875) and Thomas Moore (1879).

Teaching and Legacy

Joseph Robinson also helped start the Royal Irish Academy of Music in 1848. This is a famous music school. He taught singing there for many years, from 1856 to 1875, and again from 1887. He also led classes for choirs and orchestras. He was a vice-president on the school's Board of Studies from 1892 to 1896. One of his most famous students was Charles Villiers Stanford, who became a well-known composer himself.

Joseph was so busy teaching and conducting that he didn't have much time to write his own music. He composed some church music, including anthems and services. He also wrote many songs and arranged traditional Irish folk songs. Charles Villiers Stanford especially praised his arrangements of Irish folk songs. Joseph was offered a special "Doctor of Music" degree twice, but he politely said no. He preferred to be known simply as "Joe Robinson."

Joseph Robinson's Music

Joseph Robinson wrote different kinds of music, from church hymns to lively polkas and beautiful songs. He also arranged many traditional Irish folk songs.