William J. Kirkpatrick was an influential American musician and composer who made a significant mark in the realm of Christian hymnody during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Born in 1838 in Duncannon, Pennsylvania, Kirkpatrick was brought up in a musical environment, which led him to become a prolific composer and hymn-writer. His work often found its place in Sunday schools and evangelical meetings, which helped disseminate his music widely across the United States and beyond.

Kirkpatrick is perhaps best known for his tune to the beloved Christmas carol "Away in a Manger," which remains a staple of Christmas repertoire and has been notably arranged by many modern composers, as seen in the list of recent releases. His melody for this carol, also known as the “Cradle Song,” has been so extensively featured in various Christmas collections and performances, such as "Christmas: A Cappella Carols and Hymns," "Christmas at St George's Chapel, Windsor," and "A Christmas Present from Polyphony," that it has become synonymous with the holiday season. Kirkpatrick's contribution to sacred music extends well beyond this carol; his tunes accompany many other hymns, leaving a legacy that has endured in Christian worship and seasonal celebrations around the globe. He passed away in 1921, but his compositions continue to be cherished and sung by choirs and congregations to this day.

Genres

Lds Instrumental

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Latest Release

Away in a Manger (Ambient Mix)

William J. Kirkpatrick•

Ola Gjeilo

Single - Released October 25, 2024