Role

:

Composer

Birth

:

August 18, 1856

Death

:

September 15, 1932

 

Charles Hutchinson Gabriel was a prolific American composer of gospel music, known for his contributions to the development of the genre in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Born on August 18, 1856, in Wilton, Iowa, Gabriel grew up in a musical family and began playing the piano at a young age. His father, Isaac Gabriel, was a singing teacher and composer, and his mother, Sarah, was a singer and pianist. Gabriel's musical education began at home, where he learned to play the piano and organ from his father. He also studied music theory and composition with his father, and by the age of 14, he was already composing his own music. In 1872, Gabriel moved to Wisconsin to attend the Wisconsin Conservatory of Music in Milwaukee, where he studied piano, organ, and composition. After completing his studies, Gabriel began his career as a church musician, serving as a choir director and organist in various churches in Wisconsin and Illinois. In 1881, he moved to San Francisco, where he worked as a music publisher and composer. During this time, he wrote many popular songs, including "My Redeemer," "The Glory Song," and "Send the Light." In 1892, Gabriel moved to Chicago, where he became the music director at the Grace Methodist Episcopal Church. It was during this time that he began to focus on writing gospel music, and he quickly became one of the most influential composers in the genre. His compositions were characterized by their simple melodies, catchy rhythms, and uplifting lyrics, and they quickly became popular with church congregations across the country. One of Gabriel's most famous compositions is "His Eye Is on the Sparrow," which he wrote in 1905. The song was inspired by a conversation he had with the famous African American singer Ethel Waters, who told him that she often felt like a sparrow in God's sight. Gabriel was moved by her words and wrote the song as a tribute to her faith and resilience. The song has since become a beloved hymn and has been recorded by many famous singers, including Mahalia Jackson and Whitney Houston. Another of Gabriel's famous compositions is "I Stand Amazed in the Presence," which he wrote in 1905. The song is known for its powerful lyrics, which describe the wonder and awe of being in the presence of God. The song has been translated into many languages and is still sung in churches around the world today. Gabriel's other notable compositions include "The Way of the Cross Leads Home," "He Lifted Me," and "Since Jesus Came into My Heart." His music was characterized by its simplicity and accessibility, and it quickly became popular with church congregations across the country. Gabriel's influence on the development of gospel music cannot be overstated, and his contributions to the genre continue to be felt today. In addition to his work as a composer, Gabriel was also a music publisher and editor. He founded the Gabriel Company, which published many of his own compositions as well as those of other gospel composers. He also edited several hymnals, including the popular "Gospel Hymns and Sacred Songs," which was first published in 1891 and went through many editions. Gabriel's legacy as a composer and publisher of gospel music continues to be felt today. His music has been recorded by countless artists and is still sung in churches around the world.

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