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Composer

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Vocal

 

Stuart Hine was a British composer and hymn writer who is best known for his arrangement of the hymn "How Great Thou Art." He was born on July 25, 1899, in London, England, and grew up in a musical family. His father was a church organist, and his mother was a singer. Hine began playing the piano at a young age and showed a natural talent for music. Hine's musical education began at the Royal Academy of Music in London, where he studied piano, organ, and composition. He also studied theology at the London Bible College, which would later influence his hymn writing. After completing his studies, Hine worked as a music teacher and church organist. Hine's career as a composer began in the 1920s when he started writing hymns. His first published hymn was "The Song of the Soul Set Free," which was included in the 1929 edition of the Methodist Hymn Book. Hine's hymns were known for their simple melodies and heartfelt lyrics, which often reflected his Christian faith. In the 1930s, Hine became interested in folk music and began incorporating it into his compositions. He traveled to Eastern Europe and Russia, where he collected folk songs and studied the local music traditions. This experience would later influence his arrangement of "How Great Thou Art," which features a Swedish folk melody. "How Great Thou Art" was first published in 1949 and quickly became one of the most popular hymns of the 20th century. Hine's arrangement of the hymn features four verses, each of which reflects on the majesty of God's creation and the wonder of his love. The hymn has been translated into numerous languages and has been performed by countless artists, including Elvis Presley and Carrie Underwood. In addition to "How Great Thou Art," Hine composed numerous other hymns and choral works. Some of his most popular hymns include "Lord, Speak to Me," "O Jesus, I Have Promised," and "Thou Art the Way." Hine's choral works include "The King of Love My Shepherd Is" and "The Lord's My Shepherd." Hine's music was known for its simplicity and accessibility, which made it popular with both church choirs and congregations. His hymns were often used in revival meetings and evangelistic crusades, where they helped to inspire and uplift audiences. Hine continued to compose music throughout his life, even after he retired from his position as a music teacher. He died on March 14, 1989, at the age of 89. Today, his music continues to be sung and enjoyed by people around the world. In conclusion, Stuart Hine was a British composer and hymn writer who is best known for his arrangement of the hymn "How Great Thou Art." He was born into a musical family and received his education at the Royal Academy of Music and the London Bible College. Hine's music was known for its simplicity and accessibility, which made it popular with both church choirs and congregations. His hymns and choral works continue to be sung and enjoyed by people around the world.

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