John Bacchus Dykes

1823-1876. English composer. While at Cambridge he studied composition under Walmisley. In 1849 he became precentor of Durham Cathedral, and from 1862 he was vicar of St. Oswald's in Durham. He is important for his hymntunes, a large number of which became extremely popular, especially through their inclusion in the influential Hymns, Ancient and Modern. His “Nicaea” for “Holy, holy, Lord God Almighty” and “Lux benigna” for “Lead, Kindly Light” are examples of the many tunes that enjoyed unsurpassed popularity. His style found numerous imitators, and while he has been much criticized, he possessed a remarkable gift for memorable and readily singable melody.