Role

:

Composer

Birth

:

1930

Death

:

1987

Genre

:

Band

 

 

Choral

 

John Ness Beck was an American composer and arranger of sacred music, known for his contributions to the choral music genre. Born on December 11, 1930, in Cleveland, Ohio, Beck grew up in a musical family. His father was a church organist, and his mother was a singer. Beck began playing the piano at the age of four and started composing music at the age of eight. Beck attended the Cleveland Institute of Music, where he studied composition with Marcel Dick and piano with Elizabeth Pastor. He later earned a Bachelor of Music degree from Baldwin-Wallace College in Berea, Ohio, and a Master of Music degree from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. Beck's career as a composer began in the 1950s, when he started writing music for his church choir. He soon gained a reputation as a talented composer of sacred music, and his works were performed by choirs across the United States. In 1956, he won the first prize in the Sacred Music Composition Contest sponsored by the Hymn Society of America for his anthem "Sing Alleluia, Clap Your Hands." Throughout his career, Beck composed a wide variety of choral music, including anthems, hymns, cantatas, and arrangements of traditional hymns. His music was known for its accessibility and singability, and it was often performed by church choirs of all levels of ability. One of Beck's most famous works is his Christmas cantata, "The Song of Mary," which was first performed in 1961. The cantata tells the story of the birth of Jesus from the perspective of Mary, and it features a mix of traditional carols and original music by Beck. The cantata has been performed by choirs around the world and has become a beloved Christmas tradition for many. Another notable work by Beck is his hymn arrangement "Praise to the Lord, the Almighty," which has become a staple of many church hymnals. Beck's arrangement of the hymn features a lively, upbeat melody and a driving rhythm that has made it a favorite of congregations around the world. In addition to his work as a composer, Beck was also a respected music educator. He taught music at several colleges and universities, including Baldwin-Wallace College, the University of Akron, and Kent State University. He also served as the director of music at several churches throughout his career. Beck's contributions to the world of sacred music were recognized with several awards and honors throughout his career. In 1986, he was awarded the Distinguished Alumni Award from Baldwin-Wallace College. In 1990, he was inducted into the Hymn Society of America's Hall of Fame. And in 1992, he was awarded the John Ness Beck Foundation Award for his contributions to the field of sacred music. John Ness Beck passed away on August 20, 1987, at the age of 56. However, his music continues to be performed and enjoyed by choirs and congregations around the world. His legacy as a composer and arranger of sacred music lives on, and his contributions to the genre will be remembered for generations to come.

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