festive / classical music
William J Kirkpatrick’s Hymn Plays on Classic FM Live Radio
The month of December is a festive wonder of the music world. Today’s live radio broadcast on Classic FM plays a gentle choral classic of ‘Away in a Manger’ composed by William James Kirkpatrick.
The month of December is a festive wonder of the music world. Today’s live radio broadcast on Classic FM plays a gentle choral classic of ‘Away in a Manger’ composed by William James Kirkpatrick.
You may not be familiar with the name Kirkpatrick, but you will have heard his music played in December each year.
Although the music is not a popular choice among the radio stations off-season, it has been proven time and time again as one of the most favourite hymn on our radio and airplays today. Christmas would be dull without this hymn.
‘Away in a Manger’ — also famously known as the cradle song — is a December classic. Recently, the famous hymn — composed by William James Kirkpatrick — was played on live radio on Margherita Taylor’s program aired on Classic FM, among many other December classics.
Kirkpatrick found his talent in writing some of the world’s most famous hymns still being performed today.
He went on to publish about 50 hymn collections between 1858 and 1912.
Listen to more music at Classic FM via Global Player today.
Who is William James Kirkpatrick?
William grew up in a musical atmosphere, and in 1854, went to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to study music and learn a trade.
Although, he spent over three years as a carpenter, but was more interested in music than mechanics, spending his leisure time in its study.
He longs to become a violinist.
Kirkpatrick studied vocal music under Professor T. Bishop, then a leading oratorio and ballad singer. He became a member of the Harmonia and Handel and Haydn Sacred Music Societies, where he heard the great singers of the day and became familiar with the principal choral works of the great composers.
In 1855, Kirkpatrick joined the Wharton Street Methodist Episcopal Church in Philadelphia, and from then on devoted himself mostly to sacred music.
As there were few church organs in that day, his violin and cello were in constant demand for choir rehearsals, singing societies, and church programs.
Festive December
What is playing now on Classic FM?
Leroy Anderson’s Sleigh Ride conducted by Carl Davis was also introduced by Alexander Armstrong followed by Franz Schubert’s Symphony No.9 in C major.
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