Role

:

Composer

Birth

:

1887

Death

:

1958

Period

:

Modern

Genre

:

Keyboard

 

Edward Shippen Barnes was an American composer and organist who was born on October 14, 1887, in West Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He was the son of Edward Shippen Barnes Sr., a prominent Philadelphia lawyer, and his wife, Mary Elizabeth. Barnes grew up in a musical family, with his mother being a pianist and his father playing the violin. He began his musical education at an early age, studying piano with his mother and later with a private teacher. Barnes attended the University of Pennsylvania, where he studied music theory and composition with Hugh A. Clarke. He also studied organ with Alexander McCurdy, who was the organist at the First Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia. After graduating from the university in 1909, Barnes continued his musical studies in Europe, where he studied with some of the most prominent composers and organists of the time. Upon his return to the United States, Barnes became the organist and choirmaster at the Church of the Holy Trinity in Philadelphia. He held this position for over 40 years, during which time he composed numerous works for the church choir and organ. Barnes was also a professor of music at the University of Pennsylvania, where he taught music theory and composition. Barnes was a prolific composer, with over 200 works to his name. His compositions include works for choir, organ, orchestra, and chamber ensembles. He was particularly known for his choral music, which was often performed by church choirs throughout the United States. Some of his most famous choral works include "The Lord is My Shepherd," "O Sing Unto the Lord," and "The Twenty-Third Psalm." Barnes was also a skilled organist, and he composed numerous works for the instrument. His organ music is characterized by its lyrical melodies and rich harmonies. Some of his most famous organ works include "Toccata on 'Veni Creator,'" "Prelude on 'St. Columba,'" and "Fantasia on 'O Zion Haste.'" In addition to his work as a composer and organist, Barnes was also a respected musicologist. He wrote numerous articles on music theory and history, and he was particularly interested in the music of the Renaissance and Baroque periods. He was a member of the American Musicological Society and served as its president from 1941 to 1943. Barnes received numerous awards and honors throughout his career. In 1939, he was awarded the Philadelphia Award, which is given to individuals who have made significant contributions to the city of Philadelphia. He was also awarded honorary doctorates from the University of Pennsylvania and Haverford College. Edward Shippen Barnes died on November 22, 1958, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He was 71 years old. His legacy as a composer, organist, and musicologist continues to be celebrated today, and his works are still performed by choirs and organists around the world.

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