COHEN, HENRI:
French composer and numismatist; born at Amsterdam 1805; died at Bry-sur-Marne May 17, 1880. Cohen's parents went to France in 1811, and provided excellent musical instruction for their son. He studied harmony with Reicha, and singing with Lois and Pellegrini. In 1832 and 1838 he was at Rome, and there produced "L'Impegnatrice" and "Aviso ai Maritati." In 1839 he established himself at Paris, devoting his efforts chiefly to teaching, and singing with success at various concerts.
Cohen was appointed director of the Conservatoire at Lille; but after some difficulties with the administration he returned to Paris, and accepted a position as director of the Cabinet des Médailles at the Bibliothèque Nationale. He subsequently published some works on numismatics and bibliography.
His principal musical compositions are: "Marguerite et Faust," a lyric poem, Paris, 1847; "Le Moine," lyric poem, London, 1851; compositions for the piano, fugues, nocturnes, romances, and melodies; a practical treatise on harmony, and eighteen progressive solfeggios for three and four voices, commended by Fétis.
- Nouveau Larousse Illustré, s.v., Paris, 1900.
