Londonderry Air (Farewell to Cucullain)

Richard Henry Pinwill Coleman (April 3, 1888, Dartmouth, England - February 17, 1965, Eastbourne, England) was a chorister in St George's Church, Ramsgate before going to Denstone College. He studied organ under Sydney H. Nicholson at Carlisle Cathedral and Manchester Cathedral. While at Carlisle he was organist of St Stephen's Church.

On completing his apprenticeship Richard Henry Coleman was appointed Assistant Organist of Manchester Cathedral (1908-1912). He was then Organist of Blackburn Parish Church (St. Mary the Virgin, now the Cathedral) (1912-1914), and of Derry Cathedral (St Columb's Cathedral), Londonderry (1914-1920). He succeeded Haydn Keeton as organist of at Peterborough Cathedral (1921-1944).

Subsequently he was county music organiser for Staffordshire (1944-1947), Organist of Hatfield Parish Church, Hertfordshire (1947-1948), Organist of All Saints', Eastbourne (1949-1959), and then Director of Music at the Chapel Royal, Brighton.

He took the Dublin degree of Mus.B. in 1919, followed by that of Mus.D. in 1924, also holding the FRCO diploma in 1911.

The "Londonderry Air" is an Irish air that originated in County Londonderry, Ireland. It is popular among the American Irish diaspora and is well known throughout the world. The tune is played as the victory sporting anthem of Northern Ireland at the Commonwealth Games. The song "Danny Boy" uses the tune, with a set of lyrics written in the early 20th century.
The title of the air came from the name of County Londonderry, and was collected by Jane Ross of Limavady in the county.

Cú Chulainn (Cuculain) is an Irish warrior hero and demigod in the Ulster Cycle of Irish mythology.

Coleman's fine setting of "Londonderry Air" was published by Schott &Co;. in 1918, and is attached below.

Also attached is a photo of Richard Coleman, two of St. Columb's Cathedral, where he was organist when he composed this piece, and two of Peterborough Cathedral, where he moved three years after leaving Derry.