Henri Frederick Hemy
1818 - 1888
Roman Catholic
Biography
Henri Frederick Hemy was an English organist, teacher, composer, and compiler of Catholic church music. Born in Newcastle upon Tyne, he spent time at sea as a young man and emigrated with his family to Australia in 1850. The move did not provide the livelihood he hoped for, and he returned to northeastern England, where he built a varied musical career.
Hemy served as organist at St Andrew’s Roman Catholic Church in Newcastle and taught music at Tynemouth and at St Cuthbert’s College, Ushaw. Hymnary also records his work as music director at Ushaw College, pianist to Lord Ravensworth, orchestral director, and baritone singer. His publications included Easy Hymn Tunes for Catholic Schools, the Royal Modern Tutor for the Pianoforte, and Crown of Jesus Music.
The melody underlying ST. CATHERINE appeared in Crown of Jesus Music in 1864. Hemy did not write it specifically for Faber’s hymn; the tune later became associated with Faith of Our Fathers, especially in North American hymnody. James G. Walton subsequently adapted the setting, contributing the form of the refrain familiar in many hymnals.
Hemy served as organist at St Andrew’s Roman Catholic Church in Newcastle and taught music at Tynemouth and at St Cuthbert’s College, Ushaw. Hymnary also records his work as music director at Ushaw College, pianist to Lord Ravensworth, orchestral director, and baritone singer. His publications included Easy Hymn Tunes for Catholic Schools, the Royal Modern Tutor for the Pianoforte, and Crown of Jesus Music.
The melody underlying ST. CATHERINE appeared in Crown of Jesus Music in 1864. Hemy did not write it specifically for Faber’s hymn; the tune later became associated with Faith of Our Fathers, especially in North American hymnody. James G. Walton subsequently adapted the setting, contributing the form of the refrain familiar in many hymnals.
Hymns by Henri Frederick Hemy
Faith of Our Fathers
Role: Composer