Role

:

Composer

Country

:

United Kingdom

Birth

:

October 26, 1813 in London, England

Death

:

July 6, 1879 in London, England

Period

:

Romantic

Genre

:

Choral

 

 

Keyboard

 

Henry Thomas Smart was a British composer and organist who lived from 1813 to 1879. He was born in London, England, to a family of musicians. His father, Henry Smart Sr., was a conductor and composer, and his mother, Ann, was a singer. Smart showed an early interest in music and began studying the piano and organ at a young age. Smart's musical education was extensive. He studied with several prominent musicians, including John Pyke Hullah, William Crotch, and Charles Wesley. He also attended the Royal Academy of Music, where he studied composition with William Sterndale Bennett. Smart's early career was focused on church music. He served as the organist at several churches in London, including St. Philip's Church in Regent Street and St. Luke's Church in Chelsea. He also composed a number of hymns and anthems, many of which are still performed today. One of Smart's most famous works is the hymn tune "Regent Square," which he composed in 1867. The tune is often used for the hymn "Angels from the Realms of Glory" and has become a staple of Christmas services around the world. Smart's other notable works include his oratorio "Jacob," which was first performed in 1852, and his cantata "The Bride of Dunkerron," which was first performed in 1867. He also composed a number of organ pieces, including his "Concert Overture in D" and his "Postlude in D." Smart was known for his skill as an organist, and he was often called upon to perform at important events. He played at the coronation of Queen Victoria in 1838 and at the opening of the Great Exhibition in 1851. He also performed at the Crystal Palace, a famous exhibition hall in London, where he played on one of the largest organs in the world. Smart was a prolific composer, and his works were well-received during his lifetime. He was awarded the degree of Doctor of Music by the University of Oxford in 1867, and he was appointed a member of the Royal Victorian Order in 1877. Smart died in 1879 at the age of 66. He was buried in Kensal Green Cemetery in London, where his grave can still be visited today. His legacy lives on through his music, which continues to be performed and enjoyed by audiences around the world.

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