Hans Gram (composer) facts for kids

Hans Gram (1754-1804) was a talented musician and composer from Denmark. He moved to the United States in the early 1780s. In Boston, Massachusetts, he played the organ at the Brattle Street Church. He also taught music to many students. Hans Gram lived in Charlestown and in Boston on Belknap's Lane and Common Street. His music was even played at the funeral of John Hancock, a famous American patriot. Gram passed away in Boston in 1804. Years later, in 1810, a music group called the "Hans Gram Musical Society" was started in Fryeburg, Maine, to honor him.

Music by Hans Gram

Hans Gram created several musical pieces during his life. Here are some of his known works:

• Death Song of a Cherokee Indian (1791)
• Other compositions published in the Massachusetts Magazine around 1791.
• Sacred Lines, for Thanksgiving Day.
• Bind Kings with Chains, an anthem for Easter Sunday. An anthem is a special song, often for a church service.
• He also helped put together music with Samuel Holyoke and Oliver Holden.
• Hymn to Sleep. For this song, Gram translated the words from German and added his own verses.