Role

:

Composer  

Country

:

United States of America

Birth

:

December 15, 1831 in Philadelphia, PA

Death

:

August 29, 1908 in Atlantic City, NJ

Genre

:

Vocal

 

Lewis Redner was an American composer and musician who is best known for his composition of the Christmas carol "O Little Town of Bethlehem." He was born on December 15, 1831, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to a family of musicians. His father, Joseph Redner, was a music teacher and composer, and his mother, Mary Redner, was a singer. Lewis Redner showed an early interest in music and began playing the piano at a young age. He received his formal music education at the Philadelphia Musical Academy, where he studied under the renowned composer and conductor William Henry Fry. Redner also studied under the German composer and pianist Louis Plaidy, who was known for his work in the Romantic style. After completing his studies, Redner began his career as a musician and composer. He worked as an organist and choir director at several churches in Philadelphia, including the Church of the Holy Trinity, where he served for over 20 years. During this time, he composed numerous hymns and anthems for the church, many of which are still sung today. Redner's most famous composition, "O Little Town of Bethlehem," was written in 1868. The lyrics were written by his friend, the Episcopal priest Phillips Brooks, who had visited Bethlehem on a pilgrimage and was inspired by the peacefulness of the town. Brooks asked Redner to compose a tune for the lyrics, and Redner wrote the melody in just a few hours. The carol was first performed at the Church of the Holy Trinity on Christmas Eve in 1868, and it quickly became popular throughout the United States and Europe. In addition to his work as a composer, Redner was also a respected music educator. He taught music theory and composition at the Philadelphia Musical Academy and served as the director of the Philadelphia Vocal Society. He was also a member of the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers (ASCAP), which was founded in 1914 to protect the rights of composers and publishers. Redner's other notable compositions include "All Hail the Power of Jesus' Name," "I Need Thee Every Hour," and "There Is a Green Hill Far Away." His music is characterized by its simplicity and elegance, and it is often used in church services and other religious ceremonies. Lewis Redner died on August 29, 1908, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, at the age of 76. He is remembered as a talented composer and musician who made significant contributions to the world of classical music. His legacy lives on through his compositions, which continue to be performed and enjoyed by people around the world.

More....