Role

:

Composer

Birth

:

1814 in Aberdeen, Scotland

Death

:

1873

Genre

:

Vocal

 

Alexander Ewing was a Scottish composer and musician who lived from 1830 to 1895. He was born in Aberdeen, Scotland, on September 10, 1830, to a family of musicians. His father, William Ewing, was a well-known organist and composer, and his mother, Mary Ewing, was a singer. Alexander Ewing showed an early interest in music and began studying the piano and organ at a young age. Ewing's musical education began at the age of six when he started taking piano lessons from his father. He quickly showed a talent for the instrument and began performing in public at the age of eight. At the age of ten, he began studying the organ with his father and became the organist at a local church. In 1846, Ewing moved to London to study music at the Royal Academy of Music. He studied composition with William Sterndale Bennett and piano with Charles Lucas. While at the academy, Ewing won several prizes for his compositions, including the prestigious Mendelssohn Scholarship in 1850. After completing his studies at the Royal Academy of Music, Ewing returned to Scotland and became the organist at St. Mary's Episcopal Cathedral in Edinburgh. He held this position for over 30 years and became known for his skill as an organist and composer. Ewing's compositions were primarily religious in nature and included hymns, anthems, and organ music. He was particularly known for his hymn tunes, many of which are still sung today. Some of his most famous hymn tunes include "Jerusalem the Golden," "Lead, Kindly Light," and "The Strife is O'er." Ewing's music was characterized by its simplicity and elegance. He was a master of melody and harmony and was able to create beautiful and memorable tunes that were easy to sing and play. His music was also deeply spiritual and reflected his strong faith. In addition to his work as a composer and organist, Ewing was also a music editor and publisher. He edited several collections of hymns and anthems, including "The Church Hymnary" and "The Scottish Psalter and Paraphrases." Ewing died on March 27, 1895, in Edinburgh, Scotland. He was remembered as one of Scotland's greatest composers and musicians and his music continues to be sung and played around the world. Some of Ewing's most famous works include: "Jerusalem the Golden" - This hymn tune is based on a poem by Bernard of Cluny and is often sung at funerals and memorial services. "Lead, Kindly Light" - This hymn tune is based on a poem by John Henry Newman and is often sung at times of personal struggle or uncertainty. "The Strife is O'er" - This hymn tune is often sung on Easter Sunday and celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ. "O Jesus, I Have Promised" - This hymn tune is based on a poem by John Ernest Bode and is often sung at weddings and other special occasions. Ewing's music continues to be an important part of the Christian musical tradition and his hymn tunes are still sung in churches around the world. His legacy as a composer and musician is a testament to his talent and dedication to his craft.

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