Role

:

Composer

Country

:

United Kingdom

Birth

:

June 24, 1803 in Wiltshire, England

Death

:

October 7, 1887 in Orange, NJ

 

George James Webb was a prominent American composer and organist who lived during the 19th century. He was born on June 24, 1803, in Salisbury, Wiltshire, England, to a family of musicians. His father, James Webb, was a well-known organist and composer, and his mother, Elizabeth, was a singer. George James Webb showed an early interest in music and began studying the piano and organ at a young age. In 1816, when George James Webb was thirteen years old, his family moved to Boston, Massachusetts, where his father had been appointed as the organist at King's Chapel. George James Webb continued his musical studies in Boston and soon became a skilled organist and composer. In 1824, he was appointed as the organist at St. Paul's Church in Boston, a position he held for over twenty years. During his time in Boston, George James Webb composed a number of works for the organ, including several hymn tunes that are still popular today. One of his most famous hymn tunes is "Stand Up, Stand Up for Jesus," which he composed in 1837. The tune was originally written for a hymn by the Reverend George Duffield, Jr., and has since become a staple of Christian worship services around the world. In addition to his work as an organist and composer, George James Webb was also a music publisher. In 1830, he founded the Boston Music Company, which became one of the leading music publishers in the United States. The company published a wide range of music, including hymnals, sheet music, and instrumental works. In 1849, George James Webb moved to New York City, where he continued his work as a composer and publisher. He composed a number of works for the piano, including several sets of variations on popular tunes of the day. He also continued to compose hymn tunes, including "The Solid Rock," which he wrote in 1863. One of George James Webb's most significant works is his oratorio "The Pilgrim Fathers," which he composed in 1853. The oratorio tells the story of the Pilgrims who came to America in search of religious freedom. The work was well-received and was performed in a number of cities across the United States. George James Webb died on October 7, 1887, in Orange, New Jersey, at the age of 84. He left behind a legacy of music that continues to be celebrated today. His hymn tunes are still sung in churches around the world, and his works for the organ and piano are still performed by musicians today. George James Webb was a talented composer and musician who made a significant contribution to the development of American music.

More....