John R. Sweney (1837-1899) was born in West Chester, Pennsylvania, and exhibited musical abilities at an early age. At nineteen he was studying with a German music teacher, leading a choir and glee club, and performing at children’s entertainments. By twenty-two he was teaching at a school in Dover, Delaware. Soon thereafter, he was put in charge of the band of the Third Delaware Regiment of the Union Army for the duration of the Civil War. After the war, he became Professor of Music at the Pennsylvania Military Academy, and director of Sweney’s Cornet Band. He eventually earned Bachelor and Doctor of Music degrees at the Academy.
Sweney began composing church music in 1871 and became well-known as a leader of large congregati… Go to person page >
As the sunlight breaks thro' the clouds o'er head,
When the storms have passed, and the winds have fled,
So in hours of darkness, and fear and trial
There is nothing so sweet as the Savior's smile.
Tune Title: [As the sunlight breaks thro' the clouds o'er head]First Line: As the sunlight breaks thro' the clouds o'er headComposer: Jno. R. SweneyDate: 1913
Tune Title: [As the sunlight breaks thro' the clouds o'er head]First Line: As the sunlight breaks thro' the clouds o'er headComposer: Jno. R. SweneyDate: 1915
Tune Title: [As the sunlight breaks thro' the clouds o'er head]First Line: As the sunlight breaks thro' the clouds o'er headComposer: Jno. R. SweneyKey: A♭ MajorDate: 1907
Tune Title: [As the sunlight breaks thro' the clouds o'er head]First Line: As the sunlight breaks thro' the clouds o'er headComposer: Jno. R. SweneyDate: 1909
Tune Title: [As the sunlight breaks thro' the clouds o'er head]First Line: As the sunlight breaks thro' the clouds o'er headComposer: Jno. R. SweneyDate: 1916
Tune Title: [As the sunlight breaks thro' the clouds o'er head]First Line: As the sunlight breaks thro' the clouds o'er headComposer: Jno. R. SweneyDate: 1911
Tune Title: [As the sunlight breaks thro' the clouds o'er head]First Line: As the sunlight breaks thro' the clouds o'er headComposer: Jno. R. SweneyDate: 1906
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