Role

:

Composer Conductor

Period

:

Contemporary

 

 

Modern

Genre

:

Choral

 

 

Vocal

 

William Payn was a British composer and musician who was born on October 19, 1931, in the town of Exeter, Devon. He was the son of a music teacher and grew up in a musical family. His father, William Payn Sr., was a well-known organist and choir director, and his mother, Edith, was a pianist and singer. Payn began his musical education at an early age, studying piano and organ with his father. He also sang in his father's choir and played in the local orchestra. At the age of 16, he won a scholarship to study at the Royal College of Music in London, where he studied composition with Herbert Howells and conducting with Sir Adrian Boult. After completing his studies, Payn worked as a music teacher and choir director in various schools and churches in England. In 1963, he emigrated to the United States and settled in New Jersey, where he continued to work as a music teacher and choir director. Payn's compositions are primarily choral works, and he is best known for his hymn tunes and anthems. His music is characterized by its lyrical melodies, rich harmonies, and sensitive use of text. He was particularly interested in setting texts from the Bible and other religious sources. One of Payn's most famous works is his hymn tune "Hyfrydol," which is widely used in Christian worship services around the world. The tune was originally a Welsh folk melody, which Payn arranged and harmonized for choir and organ. The hymn tune has been used for many hymns, including "Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus" and "Love Divine, All Loves Excelling." Another notable work by Payn is his anthem "I Will Lift Up Mine Eyes," which is based on Psalm 121. The anthem is a beautiful setting of the text, with soaring melodies and lush harmonies. It has become a favorite of choirs around the world and is often performed at weddings and other special occasions. Payn's other works include a setting of the Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis, several Christmas carols, and a number of anthems based on texts from the Psalms. His music has been performed by choirs around the world, including the Choir of King's College, Cambridge, and the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. In addition to his work as a composer, Payn was also a respected music educator and conductor. He taught at several universities in the United States, including Westminster Choir College and Rutgers University. He also conducted several choirs, including the Rutgers University Glee Club and the Princeton Pro Musica. Payn received numerous awards and honors throughout his career, including the Order of the British Empire in 2001 for his contributions to music. He was also a Fellow of the Royal School of Church Music and a member of the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers. William Payn passed away on May 15, 2020, at the age of 88. His legacy as a composer and musician lives on through his music, which continues to be performed and enjoyed by choirs and audiences around the world.

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