Role

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Composer

Birth

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1929

 

Carl Schalk was a prominent American composer of sacred music, known for his contributions to the Lutheran Church. He was born on August 29, 1929, in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, to a family of musicians. His father, Wilhelm Schalk, was a church organist and choir director, and his mother, Marie Schalk, was a pianist and music teacher. Growing up in a musical household, Carl Schalk developed a love for music at an early age. Schalk began his formal music education at the age of six, studying piano with his mother. He later studied organ with his father and continued his piano studies with other teachers. In high school, he played in the school band and orchestra and sang in the choir. He also began composing music, writing his first piece at the age of 16. After graduating from high school, Schalk attended Concordia Teachers College in River Forest, Illinois, where he studied music education and composition. He also sang in the college choir and played in the college band and orchestra. After graduating in 1951, he taught music in Lutheran schools in Illinois and Wisconsin for several years. In 1956, Schalk began graduate studies in music at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois. He studied composition with Alan Stout and piano with Gui Mombaerts. He also sang in the university choir and played in the university orchestra. He received his Master of Music degree in 1958. After completing his graduate studies, Schalk returned to teaching in Lutheran schools in Wisconsin and Illinois. He also began composing music for the church, including hymns, anthems, and liturgical settings. His music was published by Concordia Publishing House, the publishing arm of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod. In 1965, Schalk was appointed director of music at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, Missouri, a position he held for 27 years. In this role, he oversaw the music program at the seminary and composed music for use in worship services. He also taught music courses and conducted the seminary choir. Schalk's music is characterized by its simplicity, clarity, and reverence. He drew inspiration from the Lutheran chorale tradition and the liturgical music of the church. His compositions include hymns, anthems, cantatas, and liturgical settings. Some of his most well-known works include "Before the Marvel of This Night," "Sing, My Tongue, the Glorious Battle," and "This Is the Feast of Victory." Schalk's music has been widely performed and recorded by choirs and musicians around the world. His contributions to the Lutheran Church have been recognized with numerous awards and honors, including the Order of the Reformation from Concordia Seminary and the Award of Merit from the Association of Lutheran Church Musicians. In addition to his work as a composer and music educator, Schalk was also a scholar of church music. He wrote several books on the history and theology of music in the church, including "Music in Early Lutheranism" and "God's Song in a New Land: Lutheran Hymnals in America." Schalk retired from Concordia Seminary in 1992 but continued to compose music and teach courses in church music. He passed away on January 24, 2021, at the age of 91. In conclusion, Carl Schalk was a prolific composer of sacred music and a respected music educator and scholar. His contributions to the Lutheran Church have had a lasting impact on the music of the church, and his music continues to be performed and enjoyed by musicians and audiences around the world.

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