In the early 19th century, the leading composer of hymn tunes was Lowell Mason (1792-1872), whose main activities centered in Boston and New York City. Mason is particularly renowned for having pioneered the introduction of music instruction on a regular basis into the Boston public schools in 1827. He composed or arranged some 1600 hymn tunes and compiled some eighty collections of music. Among the best known of his surviving are ANTIOCH (Joy to the World), AZMON (O For a Thousand Tongues to Sing), BETHANY (Nearer My God to Thee), HAMBURG (When I Survey the Wondrous Cross), and the tune on which this composition is based, the 1832 OLIVET (My Faith Looks Up To Thee). Duration: 5:00
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