Josephine Troup facts for kids

Emily Josephine Troup (born July 7, 1853, in London; died April 11, 1913, in Saltwood, Kent) was an English musician. She wrote many songs and pieces for instruments like the piano and violin. A special scholarship for young women studying music was created in her name. This scholarship helps students learn how to compose music for orchestras at the Royal Academy of Music in London.

Josephine's Early Life

Josephine Troup was the youngest daughter of Susanna and John Troup. Her father was a jeweller and watchmaker in Clapton, England. She grew up in a Unitarian family. This background likely helped her become very hardworking. It also encouraged her to develop her amazing musical and writing talents. She felt it was her duty to use her skills to help others.

Her Work and Contributions

Josephine Troup was an active member of the South Place Ethical Society. She wrote for their newsletters and helped with fundraising events. An article about her said she was like "Eliza Flower" for her generation. Eliza Flower was also a composer and a member of the Society.

Between 1889 and 1902, Josephine took part in 49 Sunday Evening Concerts at South Place. She later became a full member of the Society. She was also known for being very generous with her money. She gave a lot to different societies in both the UK and America.

Besides her Every-day Songs for children, Josephine put together and edited three hymn books. These included Ethical Songs with Music (1892) and Hymns of Modern Thought (1912). She contributed so much that she often used different fake names to hide her identity.

Later Life and Passing

Josephine Troup passed away on April 11, 1913. She was buried in Kensal Green Cemetery. At her memorial service, William Rawlings spoke about her. He said she was always cheerful and full of life. She brought brightness and lightheartedness wherever she went. He also noted her sincerity, seriousness, and deep character.

Selected Musical Works

Josephine Troup composed many different types of music. Here are some examples of her work:

Music for Orchestra

• 'March of the Workers' – This piece was written for a soprano singer, a bass singer, a choir, and a full orchestra.

Chamber Music

Chamber music is written for a small group of instruments.

• Romanza in C for string quartet – A string quartet is usually two violins, a viola, and a cello.
• Six sketches for violin and piano – These were published by Ascherberg, Hopwood & Crew Ltd.
• Kleines Wiegenlied (1909) – This means "Little Lullaby" in German.
• Portuguese Love Song
• Spring Showers

Songs for Children

Josephine Troup also wrote many songs especially for children.

• The Daddy Longlegs (Words by Edward Lear)
• The Duck and the Kangaroo (Words by Edward Lear)
• The Jumblies (Words by Edward Lear)
• In love, if love be love (Words by Lord Alfred Tennyson)
• On a faded violet (Words by Percy Bysshe Shelley)
• Today (Words by Thomas Carlyle)