Role

:

Composer

Birth

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1779 in New York, NY

Death

:

1863 in Newport, RI

 

Clement Clarke Moore was an American scholar, writer, and composer who is best known for his poem "A Visit from St. Nicholas," which is more commonly known as "The Night Before Christmas." Born on July 15, 1779, in New York City, Moore was the son of Bishop Benjamin Moore, who was the rector of Trinity Church in New York City. Moore was educated at Columbia College, where he graduated in 1798. He then went on to study law at the Litchfield Law School in Connecticut, where he was a classmate of future U.S. President John C. Calhoun. Despite his legal training, Moore's true passion was for literature and music. He was an accomplished musician and composer, and he wrote several works for the piano and voice. His most famous musical composition is "The Visit of St. Nicholas," which he wrote in 1822. The poem was originally published anonymously in the Troy Sentinel newspaper, but it quickly became popular and was reprinted in newspapers and magazines across the country. The poem's popularity helped to establish the modern image of Santa Claus as a jolly, rotund figure with a white beard and a red suit. Moore's literary career began in 1804, when he published a volume of poems titled "Poems." The collection was well-received, and it established Moore as a talented poet. He went on to publish several more volumes of poetry, including "The Power of the Soul" (1809), "The Loves of the Angels" (1823), and "The Poetical Works of Thomas Moore" (1841). Moore was also a respected scholar, and he published several works on the history of New York City, including "A History of the City of New York" (1853) and "The Diary of the Revolution" (1859). Moore was a prominent figure in New York City society, and he was a member of several prestigious organizations, including the New York Historical Society and the American Bible Society. He was also a devout Christian, and he served as a lay reader at Trinity Church for many years. In addition to his literary and musical pursuits, Moore was also a philanthropist, and he donated generously to several charitable organizations. Despite his many accomplishments, Moore is best remembered for his poem "A Visit from St. Nicholas." The poem has become a beloved Christmas tradition, and it has been adapted into countless books, movies, and television specials. Moore's legacy as a composer and writer continues to be celebrated today, and his contributions to American literature and music are still appreciated by scholars and fans alike.

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