Role

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Composer  

Birth

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1919

Period

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Contemporary

 

 

Modern

Genre

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Keyboard

 

Paul Manz was a renowned American composer, organist, and church musician who was born on June 10, 1919, in Cleveland, Ohio. He was the son of a Lutheran pastor, and his family moved frequently during his childhood due to his father's pastoral duties. Despite the frequent moves, Manz's love for music remained constant, and he began playing the piano at a young age. Manz's musical education began at Concordia College in Fort Wayne, Indiana, where he studied piano, organ, and composition. He later attended the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York, where he earned a Bachelor of Music degree in organ performance. After completing his studies, Manz served as a church musician in several Lutheran congregations in the Midwest, including St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Chicago, Illinois, and Mount Olive Lutheran Church in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Throughout his career, Manz was known for his exceptional skills as an organist and his ability to improvise. He was also a prolific composer, and his works include numerous hymn arrangements, choral anthems, and organ compositions. One of his most famous works is the hymn "E'en So, Lord Jesus, Quickly Come," which he composed in 1953 in response to the death of his three-year-old son, John. The hymn has since become a staple of the Advent season and is widely performed by choirs around the world. In addition to his work as a composer and church musician, Manz was also a respected teacher and lecturer. He taught at several institutions, including Concordia College in River Forest, Illinois, and the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago. He also gave numerous workshops and masterclasses on organ performance and improvisation. Manz's contributions to the world of church music were recognized with numerous awards and honors throughout his career. In 1983, he was awarded the prestigious Award of Merit from the Association of Lutheran Church Musicians, and in 1996, he was inducted into the Hymn Society in the United States and Canada's Hall of Fame. He also received honorary doctorates from several institutions, including Concordia University in River Forest, Illinois, and Valparaiso University in Valparaiso, Indiana. Despite his many accomplishments, Manz remained humble and dedicated to his faith and his music. He continued to compose and perform until his death on October 28, 2009, at the age of 90. His legacy lives on through his music, which continues to inspire and uplift listeners around the world.

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