Henry John Gauntlett (1805–1876) was an English organist, composer, and musicologist known for his significant contributions to hymnody. While he is not the original composer of "Once In Royal David's City," he played a crucial role in the hymn's popularity.
Not the Original Composer: "Once In Royal David's City" was actually written by Cecil Frances Alexander in 1848. Henry John Gauntlett, however, composed the music that is commonly associated with the hymn.
Arrangement by Gauntlett: Gauntlett's arrangement of the music was first published in 1849. His version is the one that has become widely recognized and sung today.
Organist and Musicologist: Gauntlett served as the organist at several churches, including St. Olave's, Southwark, and Union Chapel, Islington. He was also a musicologist, researching and contributing to the understanding of medieval music.
Contributions to Hymnody: Gauntlett was a prolific composer of hymn tunes and contributed significantly to hymnody during the 19th century. Some of his other well-known hymn tunes include "Buckland," "Irby," and "Angel's Story."
Educational Background: Henry John Gauntlett studied at Christ Church, Oxford, and later became a Doctor of Music. His education and musical talents positioned him as a respected figure in the musical community of his time.
Innovations in Organ Design: Gauntlett was also interested in organ design and made innovations in that field. His improvements to organ construction and design contributed to the development of the instrument.
Legacy: While Gauntlett's compositions and arrangements are not as well-known today as some other hymn writers, his impact on hymnody during the 19th century was substantial. His tunes are still sung in churches around the world, including the beloved "Once In Royal David's City."