Philip Cogan

Full biography Philip Cogan

Philip Cogan (1750-1833) was an Irish composer, pianist, conductor, and organist. He was born in Cork and started his career as a choirboy. Later on, he worked as an organist in Dublin Cathedral, St. Patrick’s.

Cogan was known for his compositions, which included operas, orchestral works, and chamber music, among other things. His notable works include "The Rape of Proserpine" (1776), which he wrote himself, and at least twenty-one sonatas between 1775 and 1815.

Cogan's music was often interlaced with delicate ornamentation, which was typical of his time, particularly when writing for the harpsichord. Though he was highly respected in his own time, an examination of his music reveals he wrote no keyboard music.

Cogan was also a highly respected pianist and conductor during his time. He not only conducted his own operas but also those of other composers such as Mozart and Gluck.

Cogan lived a full life, and he is well remembered by his peers. The Bookseller, a UK-based publication, carried a report on his funerary service, which was packed with people who loved and admired him for his extraordinary life.