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John Goss
- Birth: December 27, 1800, Fareham, Hampshire, England
- Death: May 10, 1880, London, England
John Goss, composer of "Praise, My Soul, the King of Heaven," (LAUDA ANIMA) never started a composition without asking for God's blessing on his work. Born in 1800, he followed in the musical footsteps of his father, organist Joseph Goss.
Goss took the position as organist at Stockwell Chapel (later St. Andrew's Church) in 1821. Three years later, he became organist of St. Luke's, Chelsea, and in 1838 he moved to St. Paul's Cathedral in London, where he served as organist and choirmaster. Goss was appointed professor of harmony at the Royal Academy of Music in 1827, a position he held for forty-seven years. In 1856, he was also made one of the composers for the Chapel Royal.
Throughout his career, Goss contributed to many musical publications. In 1833, he published An Introduction to Harmony and Thoroughbass, which eventually reached its thirteenth edition. He edited Parochial Psalmody in 1826 and Chants, Ancient and Modern in 1841. He also edited William Mercer's Church Psalter and Hymn Book, published in 1856.
Above all else, Goss desired to honor God by his music and compositions. It is said that he considered every anthem a sermon in music. And many of his compositions were initialed I.N.D.A. -"In Nomine Domini. Amen."("In the Name of God, Amen.") Critics acclaim his compositions for the reverence and dignity of his tunes.
With such a distinguished career, Goss earned many high honors. In 1872, he was knighted by Queen Victoria. And in 1876, the University of Cambridge honored him with a Doctor of Music degree.
Page numbers in Trinity Hymnal (1990) and The Worshiping Church (1990)
| Title | Trinity | Worshiping |
|---|---|---|
| God Is Known Among His People | 66 | |
| God the Father, Name We Treasure | 766 | |
| Jesus Came, the Heavens Adoring | 194 | |
| Jesus, My Great High Priest | 306 | |
| Praise, My Soul, the King of Heaven | 76 | 26 |
| Rejoice the Lord Is King | 309 | |
| See, Amid the Winter's Snow | 199 | |
| When In His Might, the Lord | 360 | |
| Who Is On the Lord's Side? | 587 | 666 |