Edward Harwood (of Darwen) facts for kids

Edward Harwood (1707–1787) was an English composer. He wrote many hymns, anthems, and songs. His song The Dying Christian (Vital spark of heav'nly flame) was very popular. It was based on a poem by Alexander Pope. This song was often performed at funerals for many different people.

Who Was Edward Harwood?

Edward Harwood was born in 1707. His birthplace was Hoddlesden, near Darwen, in Lancashire, England. When he was young, he learned to be a hand-loom weaver. This means he made cloth using a special machine. Later, he became a professional musician in Liverpool.

He published his first collection of church music in 1781. It was called A set of hymns and psalm tunes. In 1786, he released a second collection. This one was named A Second Set of Hymns and Psalm Tunes. Both of his music books were very popular. Edward Harwood died in 1787, one year after his second collection was published.

About His Famous Song: Vital Spark

Harwood's most famous song was Vital spark of heav'nly flame. It was based on a poem by Alexander Pope. This song was first published in Harwood's A set of hymns and psalm tunes. It was written in the style of a glee. A glee is a type of song for several voices. Originally, it was mostly for three voices. Later, it was often changed for four voices, which was more common.

The song was extremely popular in the early 1800s. Many different church groups sang it. Even in 1935, people still remembered it. However, some church leaders did not always like the song. Their main concern was the words. The poem was not written to be a religious song.