Role

:

Composer Conductor  

Birth

:

February 21, 1934 in Lubbock, TX

Death

:

January 21, 2012

Period

:

Contemporary

 

 

Modern

Genre

:

Choral

 

 

Keyboard

 

Gerre Hancock was an American composer, organist, and choir director who was born on May 11, 1934, in Lubbock, Texas. He was the son of a Baptist minister and grew up in a musical family. His mother was a pianist, and his father played the guitar and sang. Hancock began playing the piano at the age of four and later learned to play the organ. Hancock attended the University of Texas at Austin, where he earned a Bachelor of Music degree in organ performance. He then went on to study at the Union Theological Seminary in New York City, where he earned a Master of Sacred Music degree. While in New York, Hancock studied with some of the most prominent organists of the time, including Virgil Fox and Flor Peeters. After completing his studies, Hancock began his career as a church musician. He served as the organist and choir director at several churches, including St. Thomas Church in New York City, St. Mark's Church in Philadelphia, and Christ Church Cathedral in Houston. He also taught at several universities, including the University of Texas at Austin, the University of Houston, and the University of Cincinnati. Hancock was known for his innovative approach to church music. He was a proponent of the "Anglican Chant" style of singing, which involves chanting the Psalms in a simple, melodic style. He also incorporated jazz and blues elements into his compositions, which gave his music a unique sound. Hancock composed a wide variety of music, including choral works, organ music, and orchestral pieces. Some of his most notable works include "Fantasia on 'O Come, O Come Emmanuel,'" "The Peaceable Kingdom," and "The Royal Fanfare." He also wrote several hymns, including "We Know That Christ Is Raised" and "The Lord Is My Shepherd." In addition to his work as a composer, Hancock was also a renowned organist. He was known for his virtuosic playing and his ability to improvise. He often performed recitals at churches and universities around the world. Hancock received numerous awards and honors throughout his career. In 1989, he was awarded the prestigious Prix de Rome from the American Academy in Rome. He was also a Fellow of the American Guild of Organists and a member of the Royal School of Church Music. Hancock passed away on January 21, 2012, at the age of 77. His legacy lives on through his music, which continues to be performed and enjoyed by musicians and audiences around the world.

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