The British Musical Biography

[E] Robinson, Joseph, the most distinguished
of a remarkable family of musicians. The
father, Francis Robinson, was vestry clerk
at St. Peter's Parish Church, Dublin ; a pro-
fessor of music, and baritone singer. He
foanded, in 1810, a society called the " Sons
of Handel." Of his seven children, six — fout
sons and two daughters — became professional
musicians. Fr.ancis, the eldest son, born in
Dublin, 1799 (?), was a chorister in Christ
Church Cathedral ; organist, St. Patrick's,
1828-30 ; Vicar-choral, tenor, Christ Church,.
1833, till his death, October 31, 1872. He
was a Mus. Doc, honoris cnusa, Dublin, and
was the composer of some church music and
songs. He also edited Irish INIelodies, with
an introduction on Irish INIusic, by George
Farquhar Graham. Dublin, Bussell [1866].
William, the second son, had a bass voice of
exceptional quality and range. He was a
member of the St. Patriclv's choir as late as
1845, and also of the choirs of Christ Church
and Trinity College. John, the third son,
born, 1812 (?), was also in the Catliedral
Choirs. He had a tenor voice ranging to the
high D. He was organist of St. Patrick's,
1828; Trinity College, 1834; and of Christ
Church, 1841. He died in 1844. Joseph,
the youngest son, was born in Dublin, August
20, 1816. Entered the choir of St. Patrick's,
1824, and when his voice broke became or-
ganist of Sandford Church. When a youth,
visited Paris and London, gaining valuable
experience, and becoming acquainted with
leading musicians. In 1834 established in
Dublin, the " Antient Society," which he
conducted for nearly thirty years, introducing
many important works for the first time to
Dublin. Became conductor of the University
Choral Society in 1837. Conducted at the
opening of the Exhibitions at Cork, 1852 and
1883 ; Dublin, 1853. Professor of singing at
Royal Irish Academy of INIusic from 1856,
into which institution he infused new life ;
and in 187G established the Dublin Musical
Society, which gave its last concert, Decem-
ber 6, 1888, but was afterwards revived under
Dr. Joseph Smith {q.i\) In August, 1896, on
attaining his eightieth year, Mr. Robinson
retired from active work. As a baritone
vocalist he long held a foremost position ;
while as a conductor and teacher he was in
the front rank. His compositions include
anthems, services, and songs ; and he wrote
a INIarch for the opening of the Dublin Exhi-
bition, 1882. It was for Joseph Robinson
that Mendelssohn scored for orchestra his
setting of " Hear my Prayer," originally
written with an accompaniment for organ
alone. He married, in 1849, Miss Fanny
Arthur, a pianist and composer, born, Sep-
tember, 1831. Studied at first at Southampton,
and later under Sterndale Bennett and Thal-
berg. She played at Dublin in February,
1849 ; appeared at the matinees of the
Musical Union, London, June 26, 1855 ; and
at the New Philharmonic Concerts, June 18,
1856. That year she became a professor at
the R.I. A.M. She composed a sacred cantata,
"God is Love," still occasionally performed;
a number of pf. pieces, and some songs. She
died at Dublin, October 31, 1879.

entry id: 349-R-41