Role

:

Composer

Country

:

United Kingdom

Birth

:

May 6, 1915 in Camden, London, England

Death

:

March 13, 2004 in London, England

 

Sydney Carter was a British composer and folk musician who is best known for his contributions to the Christian hymnody. He was born on May 6, 1915, in Camden Town, London, to a family of Quakers. His father was a journalist and his mother was a teacher. Carter grew up in a musical family and was exposed to a variety of musical genres from an early age. Carter attended Oxford University, where he studied English literature and music. He was a talented musician and played several instruments, including the guitar, banjo, and accordion. After graduating from Oxford, Carter worked as a teacher and a freelance writer. He also began to compose music and write songs. Carter's early compositions were influenced by the folk music of England and Ireland. He was particularly interested in the traditional music of the British Isles and spent many years collecting and studying folk songs. In the 1950s, Carter began to write songs that combined traditional folk melodies with contemporary lyrics. These songs were often political in nature and dealt with issues such as peace, social justice, and the environment. Carter's most famous composition is the hymn "Lord of the Dance," which he wrote in 1963. The melody of the hymn is based on a traditional Shaker tune called "Simple Gifts," and the lyrics tell the story of Christ as a dancer. The hymn became popular in the United Kingdom and the United States and has been translated into many languages. Carter's other notable compositions include "The Crow on the Cradle," "Julian of Norwich," and "Every Star Shall Sing a Carol." Many of his songs have been recorded by other artists, including Joan Baez, Donovan, and The Dubliners. In addition to his work as a composer, Carter was also a writer and a poet. He wrote several books, including "The Way of the Lord," a collection of his hymns and poems. He was also a regular contributor to the Quaker magazine "The Friend." Carter was a devout Christian and his faith was a central theme in much of his music. He was a member of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) and was active in the peace movement. He was also a strong advocate for environmentalism and was involved in several conservation organizations. Carter died on March 13, 2004, at the age of 88. His music continues to be popular and is often performed in churches and other religious settings. His contributions to the Christian hymnody have had a lasting impact and his songs are still sung by millions of people around the world.

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