Philip Cogan facts for kids

Philip Cogan (1750 – 3 February 1833) was a talented Irish composer, pianist, and conductor. He lived a long life and was an important part of Dublin's music scene during his time.

The Life of Philip Cogan

Philip Cogan was born in Cork, Ireland, in 1750. As a boy, he sang in the choir at St Fin Barre's Cathedral. Later, he became a "vicar choral" there, which meant he was a paid singer in the church choir.

In 1772, Philip moved to Dublin. He started working at Christ Church Cathedral. But he left after only a few months because he wasn't feeling well. From 1780 to 1806, he was the organist at St Patrick's Cathedral.

Philip also conducted orchestras at two famous theatres in Dublin: the Smock Alley and Crow Street. He wrote many pieces for the stage, like operas, even more than he wrote for the church! He wrote his own operas, such as The ... Proserpine (1776) and The Ruling Passion (1778). He also worked with other composers on plays, like The Contract (1782).

In 1787, Philip helped start the Irish Musical Fund Society. This group supported musicians. He was very active in Dublin's music world. He performed in big music festivals, like the "Commemoration of Handel" at the Rotunda. He also played at many charity concerts in churches.

Philip Cogan was a popular music teacher. Many famous Irish musicians learned from him. These included Michael Kelly, Thomas Moore, P.K. Moran, and William Michael Rooke. He probably also taught Thomas Augustine Geary. In 1817, Philip conducted a concert where a young Michael William Balfe performed for the first time. People often called him "Doctor Cogan," but there's no proof he studied at Trinity College.

Philip lived a long and successful life. He passed away at his son-in-law's home in Dublin. He is buried in Glasnevin cemetery.

Today, Philip Cogan is best known for his keyboard music. His pieces are considered as good as those by other famous composers of his time. He wrote music when instruments were changing from the harpsichord to the piano. His later works really showed off what the grand piano could do. His best pieces are his piano sonatas and his piano concerto, Op. 5 (written in 1790).

Philip Cogan's Music

Philip Cogan wrote many different kinds of music. Here are some examples:

Stage Music

• The Ruling Passion (1778)
• The Contract (1782) – He worked on this with other composers.
• The Chace [sic!] on Our Huntresses (around 1790)
• In April when Primroses (around 1790)
• The Lady and the Gipsy (around 1811)

Orchestral Music

• Concerto for piano and orchestra in C major, Op. 5 (1790) – This piece includes the popular tune "Malbrouk."

Chamber Music

• A Favourite Lesson and Rondo, on the Air of "The Dargle" (1780)
• Six Sonatas, Op. 1 (1782) – Five of these have parts for a violin.
• Six Grand Sonatas, Op. 2 (1784) – These also have parts for a violin.
• Sonata, Op. 11 for violin and piano (1818)

Piano Music

• Three Favourite Sonatas, Op. 4 (1787)
• Three Sonatas, Op. 7 (1794–1798)
• Three Sonatas, Op. 8 (1799)

Choral Music

• To God Our Never Failing Strength (81st Psalm) – This was written for four voices and piano. It was published in 1814.

Hearing Philip Cogan's Music Today

Philip Cogan's music is not widely recorded yet. However, you can find one of his pieces:

• Rondo (from Sonata Op. 8 No. 3), played by Una Hunt (piano). This recording is on the album Fallen Leaves from an Irish Album, RTÉ lyric fm CD 109 (CD, 2006). You can find more details about it here.