John Goss

Full biography John Goss

John Goss (1800-1880) was an English musician, composer, and teacher of music. He is best known for his contributions to church music, especially his setting of the hymn "Praise, My Soul, the King of Heaven," which was first published in 1869 and remains a popular hymn to this day.

Goss was born in Fareham, Hampshire, on December 27, 1800. As a child, he sang in the choir of the Chapel Royal, and later worked as a freelance musician in London, where he made a name for himself as a composer, conductor, and music critic.

In addition to his work as a composer, Goss was also a respected teacher of music. He held several positions throughout his career, including organist at St. Paul's Cathedral and professor of music at the Royal Academy of Music. Many of his students went on to become prominent musicians in their own right, including Sir Arthur Sullivan.

Goss wrote a wide variety of music, including church music, choral works, and songs. He was highly regarded for his choral writing, which was known for its grandeur and expressiveness. Among his most famous works are his anthems "These Are They Which Came Out of Great Tribulation" and "O Saviour of the World," as well as his canticles for the Anglican church, such as his setting of the Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis.

Despite his success as a composer and teacher, Goss faced several challenges throughout his life, including financial difficulties and a long-standing alcohol addiction. He died in London on May 10, 1880, at the age of 79.

Today, John Goss is remembered as one of the most important composers and teachers of music in 19th-century England. His works continue to be performed and recorded by choirs around the world, and his influence on the choral repertoire can still be felt today.