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Erik Routley

1917 - 1982 Person Name: Erik Routley, 1917-1982 Meter: 8.7.8.7.8.7 Author of "God, Omnipotent, Eternal" in Worship (3rd ed.)

1820 - 1915 Person Name: Luther Orlando Emerson Meter: 8.7.8.7.8.7 Composer of "CRAWFORD" in The Cyber Hymnal Luther Orlando Emerson was born at Parsonsfield, Maine, August 3, 1820. He descended from distinguished English ancestry. His parents were quite musical, and while the family circle were together, they had a choir and orchestra of their own. The father played the violoncello, the mother was an excellent singer, the flute and violin added their sweet tones, till the quiet homestead rang with melody. Mr. Emerson's education was obtained at the district school, Parsonsfield Seminary and Effingham Academy. He was full of energy, quick and versatile, an apt scholar, and with a view to entering the profession of medicine he entered Dracut Academy, Mass. But his great love for music swerved him from that course, and now, having far better opportunities for cultivating and enjoying this taste and ability, he soon determined upon music as the profession of his choice. He accordingly commenced a course of musical instruction under the late I. B. Woodbury, then a popular teacher of music. After several years of study on the voice, piano, organ and in harmony, Mr. Emerson went to Salem, Mass., began teaching, and took charge of his first choir at a salary of one hundred dollars per year. Here he commenced the composition of music for his own choir, whiich was so popular with its members and the congregation, that Mr. Emerson was encouraged to seek a larger hearing by publishing a collection of church music. Among the tunes was that of Sessions, named after his pastor, which was destined to have a perennial popularity, and is often used in worship in the place of Old Hundred, for the Doxology. At the great Peace Jubilee it was received with applause when sung by a chorus of ten thousand voices, accompanied by an orchestra of two hundred instruments and a great pipe organ. The effect was sublime beyond expression. In 1847 occurred the marriage of Mr. Emerson to Miss Mary Gore, daughter of a prominent Boston merchant. She was a lady of much musical taste and ability. In 1853 he decided to make an effort to put his music before the public, and accordingly went to Boston in search of a publisher. Like most young and unknown authors, he met with but little encouragement, but finally found a publisher in the person of Mr. B. B. Muzzy. Thus was the Romberg Collection published. The book was not pushed — hence it found no market. After a residence of eight years in Salem, Mr. Emerson removed to Boston, accepting the position of organist and musical director at the Bulfinch Street Church, then under the pastoral care of Rev. Wm. R. Alger, which he filled for four years. He eagerly improved the rare means of culture which were once more enjoyed, meanwhile teaching and composing music. In 1857 he formed the connection with Oliver Ditson Company, of Boston, of author and publisher, which has continued to the present time with but one interruption (a single volume brought out by another firm), the Golden Wreath, which at once became popular, and sold forty thousand during the first year, this being the initial volume in the long series since brought out by these publishers. In 1858 came the Golden Harp, which was also a success. These successes gave him not only encouragement, but reputation. Mr. Emerson now entered upon a career of usefulness and popularity for which he had been preparing during the years of self-denying struggle and discipline. He was called to take charge of the music in the Second Congregational Church, Greenfield, Mass., and also of the musical department of Power's Institute, at Bernardston. Amid nature's most beautiful surroundings, he had a quiet retreat for the pursuit of his true vocation, the composition of church music. The first fruit of his genius here was the Sabbath Harmony, in 1860. This book was also a success. In 1863 followed the Harp of Judah, which had the remarkable sale of nearly fifty thousand copies in the first three months. This book probably gave Mr. Emerson his preeminence as a composer of church music, containing as it did his anthem, Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah, and many of his finest compositions. Having declined the solicitations of Dr. Lowell Mason to become his associate in music, Mr. Emerson started forth on his own plans, and attained the highest rank among those who loved the pure and beautiful in song. Mr. W. S. B. Mathews, a musical critic, pronounces him the best melodist of all the psalmodic writers. In 1866 the equally successful Jubilate appeared, followed by the Choral Tribute, the Standard and the Leader. In the last two Dr. I. R. Pahner was associated with him. Later on came the Salutation, Voice of Worship, Herald of Praise, etc. The diligence with which Mr. Emerson plied his pen can be estimated when one recalls the fact that he has made seventy-two collections of music, embracing music for churches, singing schools, public schools, choral societies and conventions, instruction books for voice, organ, etc. He has also composed and published scores of songs, quartets and instrumental pieces. The great amount of work this represents can only be appreciated by those who have undertaken similar labors. Some years ago the degree of Doctor of Music was conferred upon Professor Emerson by the Faculty of Findlay College, Findlay, Ohio. For many years past. Dr. Emerson has devoted his energies to the grand purpose of elevating the general character of music in our churches, and thus largely advancing the interests of true worship. He places great stress upon the mission of church music. He regards sacred music as the best expression of devotional feeling that exists. He looks upon sacred song as prayer, and believes that it inspires and intensifies prayer. With this view he has taken an active and prominent part in musical festivals and conventions, of which he has conducted over three hundred throughout the United States and Canada. As a conductor, he stands in the front rank. As a teacher. Dr. Emerson has an exceedingly happy faculty of imparting in a concise manner to his classes. His very pleasing address enables him to command the undivided attention of his pupils. As a singer, he has always held high rank, and has sung much in public. His voice is a baritone of great compass, and quite powerful. As a lecturer upon music, Dr. Emerson has attracted much attention. His most popular lecture is entitled The World of Music, in which he traces its origin and progress, and gives some excellent traits of the lives of the great composers. In this lecture he also shows the design of music, and how it has been prized in every age of the world, among all nations — its power in the Church and State, and the need of its influence in the family — in joy and sorrow — for this life and the life to come. -Biography of Gospel Song and Hymn Writers

George Hugh Bourne

1840 - 1925 Person Name: George H. Bourne Meter: 8.7.8.7.8.7 Author of "Lord, Enthroned in Heavenly Splendor" in Hymns to the Living God Bourne, George Hugh, D.C.L., son of Rev. R. B. Bourne, born at St. Paul's Cray, Kent, 8th Nov. 1840, and educated at Eton, and O. C. C, Oxford, graduating B.A., 1863; B.C.L., 1866; and D.C.L. 1871. Taking Holy Orders in 1863, he became Curate of Sandford-on-Thames, 1863. He was afterwards Head Master of Chardstock College, and is now (1886) Warden of the same school, which has been transferred to St. Edmund's, Salisbury. Dr. Bourne has written the following hymns:— 1. Scarce discerning aught before us. General, Written in Switzerland in 1861, and published in Lyra Messianica, 1864, p. 17, in 10 stanzas of 4 lines, and repeated in the Appendix to the Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge Psalms & Hymns, 1869, in an abbreviated form. 2. 0 Christ, the king of human life. Holy Matrimony. A hymn on Holy Matrimony, written in 1867 for the marriage of Dr. A. B. Webb, Bishop of Bloemfontein, and included in the Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge Appendix to the Psalms & Hymns, 1869, and thence into Church Hymns, 1871. 3. Of the wondrous Body, 0 my tongue be telling. A translation of "Pange lingua gloriosi corporis," q.v., contributed to Lyra Eucharistica, 2nd edition, 1864. Dr. Bourne has also written seven Post-Communion hymns for use in the Chapel of St. Edmund's College, Salisbury. These hymns have not been published. -- John Julian, Dictionary of Hymnology (1907) =================== Bourne, George H, p. 164, ii. From his Post Communion Hymns, privately printed in 1874 (see p. 165, i., 3), the hymns "O Christ, our God, 'Who with Thine own hast been" (Holy Communion), and "Lord, enthroned in heavenly splendour" (Holy Communion), are taken. --John Julian, Dictionary of Hymnology, Appendix, Part II (1907)

Michael Hewlett

1916 - 2000 Person Name: Michael Hewlett, 1916-2000 Meter: 8.7.8.7.8.7 Author of "Sing to him in whom creation" in Singing the Faith Michael Edward Hewlett (b. 1916; d. 2000) was ordained in England as an Anglican priest in 1949, and served several parishes as curate, vicar, or parish priest. For most of his career he was vicar in the diocese of Exeter. He was author of about seventy hymn texts and contributed to many hymnals in the UK and North America. Emily Brink

John Goss

1800 - 1880 Meter: 8.7.8.7.8.7 Composer of "LAUDA ANIMA" in Psalter Hymnal (Gray) John Goss (b. Fareham, Hampshire, England, 1800; d. London, England, 1880). As a boy Goss was a chorister at the Chapel Royal and later sang in the opera chorus of the Covent Garden Theater. He was a professor of music at the Royal Academy of Music (1827-1874) and organist of St. Paul Cathedral, London (1838-1872); in both positions he exerted significant influence on the reform of British cathedral music. Goss published Parochial Psalmody (1826) and Chants, Ancient and Modern (1841); he edited William Mercer's Church Psalter and Hymn Book (1854). With James Turle he published a two-volume collection of anthems and Anglican service music (1854). Bert Polman

Anthony G. Petti

1932 - 1985 Person Name: Gaetano Raphael (Anthony) Petti, 1932-1985 Meter: 8.7.8.7.8.7 Adapter of "Lead us, heavenly Father, lead us" in The Irish Presbyterian Hymnbook Petti, Anthony Gaetano. (London, England, February 12, 1932-- ). Roman Catholic. University College, London, B.A., 1955; M.A., 1957; D.Lit., 1970. While teaching English at the University of London (1955-1968) and the University of Calgary, Alberta (1969-?), and directing in both cities vocal and instrumental groups whose members shared his tastes, he did a great deal of research into Renaissance literature and music, particularly that produced by English Catholics, and published critical editions of many obscure and fascinating works. He reached out to a non-specialist audience with The New Catholic Hymns, for which he served as literary editor and made several translations, was published by Faber Music, London, in 1971; editions in several other countries soon followed, and his verses found their way into many other hymnbooks and breviaries. --Hugh D. McKellar, DNAH Archives

Robert Schumann

1810 - 1856 Meter: 8.7.8.7.8.7 Composer of "SMITH COLLEGE" Robert Alexander Schumann DM Germany 1810-1856. Born at Swickau, Saxony, Germany, the last child of a novelist, bookseller, and publisher, he began composing music at age seven. He received general music instruction at the local high school and worked to create his own compositions. Some of his works were considered admirable for his age. He even composed music congruent to the personalities of friends, who took note of the anomaly. He studied famous poets and philosophers and was impressed with the works of other famous composers of the time. After his father’s death in 1826, he went to Leipzig to study law (to meet the terms of his inheritance). In 1829 he continued law studies in Heidelberg, where he became a lifelong member of Corps Saxo-Borussia Heidelberg. In 1830 he left the study of law to return to music, intending to pursue a career as a virtuoso pianist. His teacher, Friedrich Wieck, assured him he could become the finest pianist in Europe, but an injury to his right hand (from a practicing method) ended that dream. He then focused his energies on composition, and studied under Heinrich Dorn, a German composer and conductor of the Leipzig opera. Schumann visited relatives in Zwickau and Schneeberg and performed at a concert given by Clara Wieck, age 13 at the time. In 1834 he published ‘A new journal for music’, praising some past composers and deriding others. He met Felix Mendelssohn at Wieck’s house in Leigzig and lauded the greatness of his compositions, along with those of Johannes Brahms. He also wrote a work, hoping to use proceeds from its sale towards a monument for Beethoven, whom he highly admired. He composed symphonies, operas, orchestral and chamber works, and also wrote biographies. Until 1840 he wrote strictly for piano, but then began composing for orchestra and voice. That year he composed 168 songs. He also receive a Doctorate degree from the University of Jena that year. An aesthete and influential music critic, he was one of the most regarded composers of the Romantic era. He published his works in the ‘New journal for music’, which he co-founded. In 1840, against the wishes of his father, he married Clara Wieck, daughter of his former teacher, and they had four children: Marie, Julie, Eugenie, and Felix. Clara also composed music and had a considerable concert career, the earnings from which formed a substantial part of her father’s fortune. In 1841 he wrote 2 of his 4 symphonies. In 1843 he was awarded a professorship in the Conservatory of Music, which Mendelssohn had founded in Leipzig that same year, When he and Clara went to Russia for her performances, he was questioned as to whether he also was a musician. He harbored resentment for her success as a pianist, which exceeded his ability as a pianist and reputation as a composer. From 1844-1853 he was engaged in setting Goethe’s Faust to music, but he began having persistent nervous prostration and developed neurasthenia (nervous fears of things, like metal objects and drugs). In 1846 he felt he had recovered and began traveling to Vienna, Prague, and Berlin, where he was received with enthusiasm. His only opera was written in 1848, and an orchestral work in 1849. In 1850 he succeeded Ferdinand Hiller as musical director at Dusseldorf, but was a poor conductor and soon aroused the opposition of the musicians, claiming he was impossible on the platform. From 1850-1854 he composed a wide variety of genres, but critics have considered his works during this period inferior to earlier works. In 1851 he visited Switzerland, Belgium, and returned to Leipzig. That year he finished his fourth symphony. He then went to Dusseldorf and began editing his complete works and making an anthology on the subject of music. He again was plagued with imaginary voices (angels, ghosts or demons) and in 1854 jumped off a bridge into the Rhine River, but was rescued by boatmen and taken home. For the last two years of his life, after the attempted suicide, Schumann was confined to a sanitarium in Endenich near Bonn, at his own request, and his wife was not allowed to see him. She finally saw him two days before he died, but he was unable to speak. He was diagnosed with psychotic melancholia, but died of pneumonia without recovering from the mental illness. Speculations as to the cause of his late term maladies was that he may have suffered from syphilis, contracted early in life, and treated with mercury, unknown as a neurological poison at the time. A report on his autopsy said he had a tumor at the base of the brain. It is also surmised he may have had bipolar disorder, accounting for mood swings and changes in his productivity. From the time of his death Clara devoted herself to the performance and interpretation of her husband’s works. John Perry

Cyril Alington

1872 - 1955 Person Name: C. A. Alington, 1872-1955 Meter: 8.7.8.7.8.7 Author of "Lord of beauty, thine the splendour" in The New English Hymnal Educated at Trinity College, Oxford, England, Cyril A. Alington (b. Ipswich, England, 1872; d. St. Leonards, Hertfordshire, England, 1955) was ordained a priest in the Church of England in 1901. He had a teaching career that included being headmaster at Shrewsbury School and Eton College. He was dean of Durham from 1933-1951 as well as chaplain to the king of England. His writings include literary works and Christianity in England, Good News (1945). Many of his hymns appeared in various twentieth-century editions of the famous British hymnal, Hymns Ancient and Modern. Bert Polman

Stephen Somerville

1931 - 2015 Meter: 8.7.8.7.8.7 Author (refrain) of "O Redeemer" in Catholic Book of Worship III Somerville, Stephen Francis. (London, England, April 1, 1931-- ). Roman Catholic. University of Toronto, B.A., 1952; Laval University (Quebec), L.Th., 1956; graduate study in Rome. Pastorates (in Ontario) at Grimsby, 1957-1960; Niagara Falls, 1960-1963; Ottawa, 1977-1979; Midland, 1979-?. Taught at St. Michael's Choir School, Toronto, 1963-1970. Edited (1970-1977) Living with Christ, a "missalette" issued every six weeks, giving prayer and scripture passages for all Masses to be celebrated, and including appropriate hymns. During this time he chaired the Diocese of Ottawa's liturgical commission, and represented Canada (1968-1975) on ICEL, charged by the Pope with preparing a text for the whole liturgy which the entire English-speaking world might use. --Hugh D. McKellar, DNAH Archives