Role

:

Composer

Country

:

United States of America

Birth

:

September 18, 1765 in Shirley, MA

Death

:

September 4, 1844 in Charlestown, MA

Genre

:

Band

 

Oliver Holden was a prominent American composer of hymns and psalms during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. He was born on September 18, 1765, in Shirley, Massachusetts, to a family of farmers. Holden showed an early interest in music and began playing the violin at a young age. He received his formal education at Phillips Academy in Andover, Massachusetts, where he studied music and composition. Holden's musical career began in earnest when he moved to Charlestown, Massachusetts, in 1787. There, he became the music director at the First Baptist Church and began composing hymns and psalms for the congregation. His first published work was a collection of hymns titled "The Worcester Collection of Sacred Harmony," which was published in 1793. The collection was well-received and helped establish Holden as a prominent composer in the New England area. In 1798, Holden moved to Boston and became the music director at the Federal Street Church. He continued to compose hymns and psalms, and his works were widely sung throughout New England. Holden's most famous composition is the hymn "Coronation," which he wrote in 1793. The hymn is still sung in churches today and is considered a classic of American hymnody. Holden's music was known for its simplicity and accessibility. He believed that music should be easy to sing and understand, and his compositions reflected this philosophy. His hymns and psalms were often written in four-part harmony, with simple melodies and straightforward lyrics. This approach made his music popular with congregations of all sizes and backgrounds. In addition to his work as a composer, Holden was also a music teacher. He taught music at several schools in the Boston area, including the Boston Female Asylum and the Boston Academy. He also published several music textbooks, including "The American Harmony" and "The Union Harmony." Holden's career was not without controversy, however. In 1800, he was accused of plagiarizing a hymn by Scottish composer William Tans'ur. The accusation was never proven, but it damaged Holden's reputation and caused him to become more cautious in his compositions. Despite this setback, Holden continued to compose music throughout his life. He died on September 4, 1844, in Charlestown, Massachusetts, at the age of 78. His legacy as a composer of hymns and psalms lives on, and his music continues to be sung in churches throughout the United States. In conclusion, Oliver Holden was a prominent American composer of hymns and psalms during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. He was known for his simple and accessible compositions, which were widely sung throughout New England. His most famous composition, "Coronation," is still sung in churches today and is considered a classic of American hymnody. Holden's legacy as a composer and music teacher continues to be celebrated, and his music remains an important part of American musical history.

More....