Short bio Robert Cogan
Full biography Robert Cogan
Robert Cogan was an internationally acclaimed music theorist, composer, and educator. He was born in 1930 and passed away in 2021. Cogan was a member of the Composition and Music Theory faculty at the New England Conservatory for almost 60 years. He has authored multiple books about music, including Sonic Design: The Nature of Sound (co-written with his wife, writer and composer Pozzi Escot) which explores sound perception and the use of sound in music composition.
Cogan was also known for his contributions to contemporary classical music, particularly in the area of spectral music. He composed many pieces that were performed around the world, and collaborated with musicians and composers such as pianist Marilyn Crispell. Cogan's works often had a focus on experimental sound design and employed techniques such as atonality, microtonal tuning, and use of electronic instruments.
In addition to his musical accomplishments, Cogan was revered by his students and peers for his dedication to music education. He was a mentor to many young musicians, and his teaching philosophy was centered on empowering students to push the boundaries of traditional music theory and composition. Cogan's legacy lives on through his music, writings, and the countless musicians and scholars who were inspired by his work.
Compositions featuring Robert Cogan
| # | Name | Duration | Genre | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Celanporträt (Celan Portrait), poems for voice & piano | 19:50 min | Vocal Music | 2003 |
| 2 | Aflame in Flight, for solo violin | 15:34 min | Chamber Music | 1999 |
| 3 | Poems (8) of William Bronk ("Soul" Version), for voice & piano | 13:41 min | Vocal Music | 1998 |
| 4 | Polyutterances for Two Superimposed Voices | 10:22 min | Choral | 1977 |
| 5 | String Quartet: an open-ended folio in 2 movements ("American Is...") | 11:47 min | Chamber Music | 1977 |
| 6 | No Attack of Organic Metals, for organ | 12:20 min | Keyboard | 1973 |
| 7 | Events Dancing | Miscellaneous (Classical) | - | |
| 8 | Fierce Singleness | Miscellaneous (Classical) | - | |
| 9 | Gulf Coast Bound | Miscellaneous (Classical) | - | |
| 10 | Utterances for soprano | 8:29 min | Vocal Music | - |
Albums featuring Robert Cogan
| # | Сover | Name album | Year | Music label |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  |
Robert Cogan And Pozzi Escot – Aflame In Flight(CD, ) | 2005 | Centaur Records |
| 2 |  |
Robert Cogan & Pozzi Escot – Polyutterances(CD, Album) | 2001 | Music & Arts |
| 3 |  |
Pozzi Escot - Robert Cogan - Boston Composers String Quartet - New England Conservatory Jazz Big Band – Events Dancing: Recent Compositions By Pozzi Escot And Robert Cogan(CD, Album) | 1995 | Music & Arts |
| 4 |  |
Robert Cogan / Pozzi Escot / Thomas DeLio / Shirish Korde – New Events II(LP, Compilation) | 1982 | Spectrum Records (5) |
| 5 |  |
Robert Cogan, Thomas DeLio, Pozzi Escot, Shirish Korde – New Events: Boston Composers Of The '70's(LP) | 1980 | Spectrum Records (5) |
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