Frank W. Asper

Frank Wilson Asper (February 9, 1892 – November 8, 1973) was an American composer and member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who served as Mormon Tabernacle organist from 1924 to 1965.

Frank W. Asper
Photo of Frank W. Asper
Asper in 1948
Personal details
BornFrank Wilson Asper
(1892-02-09)February 9, 1892
Logan, Utah
DiedNovember 8, 1973(1973-11-08) (aged 81)
Salt Lake City, Utah
Resting placeSalt Lake City Cemetery
40°46′37.92″N 111°51′28.8″W
OccupationComposer and also Mormon Tabernacle organist
Spouse(s)Ellen Marie Connors
Florence E. Robinson

Asper came from a musically inclined family. He studied under Ebenezer Beesley as a youth and then studied at Stern Conservatory in Berlin and the New England Conservatory, Boston University, the University of Utah and Chicago Musical College. Asper also held an honorary degree for music, issued in 1938, from Bates College.[1] Besides being Mormon Tabernacle organist,[2] Asper was the organist of the First United Methodist Church in Salt Lake City, Utah from 1923 to 1937.[3] He also toured as a concertizing organist.[4]

Asper was a fellow of the American Guild of Organists.[5]

Works

Asper penned words and music for several LDS hymns. Seven of these are found in the 1985 hymnal Hymns of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

  • 132: God Is in His Holy Temple – music[6]
  • 176: 'Tis Sweet to Sing the Matchless Love – music[7]
  • 189: O Thou, Before the World Began – music[8]
  • 222: Hear Thou Our Hymn, O Lord – words and music[9]
  • 245: This House We Dedicate to Thee – music[10]
  • 257: Rejoice! A Glorious Sound Is Heard – music[11]
  • 323: Rise Up, O Men of God (Men's Choir) – music[12]

References
  1. Durham, Lowell M. (1968). "On Mormon Music and Musicians". Dialogue: A Journal of Mormon Thought. 3 (2): 19–40. doi:10.2307/45227256. ISSN 0012-2157. JSTOR 45227256. S2CID 254390590.
  2. "Statistical Report 1973: Those who have passed away". Ensign. May 1974. p. 20.
  3. "The Organ at First United Methodist Church". First United Methodist (Salt Lake City).
  4. "Dr. Frank W. Asper Returns from a Tour of Recitals" (PDF). The Diapason. 39 (2): 1. January 1, 1948.
  5. "Frank Wilson Asper: The Poet-Organist". The American Organist. 23 (9): 90. 1989.
  6. "132". Hymns of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. LDS Church. 1985.
  7. "176". Hymns of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. LDS Church. 1985.
  8. "189". Hymns of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. LDS Church. 1985.
  9. "222". Hymns of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. LDS Church. 1985.
  10. "245". Hymns of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. LDS Church. 1985.
  11. "257". Hymns of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. LDS Church. 1985.
  12. "323". Hymns of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. LDS Church. 1985.
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