James P.Carrell

Full biography James P.Carrell

James P. Carrell (1787-1854) was an American composer, singing teacher, minister and compiler of songbooks. He was born in Washington county, Virginia on February 13, 1787. He is known for his contributions to American hymnody and early American sacred music.

Carrell's most notable contribution to American hymnody was his collaboration with David S. Clayton, a Presbyterian elder. Together, they published a hymnal titled "The Virginia Harmony", in 1831. The hymnal was influential in the development of shape-note singing, a music notation system that made it easier for people to read and learn music. The Virginia Harmony contained over 150 hymns and was widely used in the American South during the early to mid-1800s.

In addition to his work on The Virginia Harmony, Carrell was also a prolific composer and his works appeared in many other early American hymnals. His compositions were known for their simplicity and harmonic clarity, and were widely popular during his lifetime. Some of his notable compositions include "God of my salvation, hear" and "Come, let us anew, our journey pursue".

Carrell's legacy in American music is notable, as his compositions and innovations in hymnody helped to shape the early American music landscape. He passed away on October 28, 1854, in Lebanon, Virginia at the age of 67.