The Danish composer Christian Barnekow studied piano and organ in Copenhagen, attaining a high level of skill. He was an independently wealthy man, which made it possible for him to devote some of his time to participating as an administrator at several Danish musical institutions.

He wrote in a Romantic style, similar to that of Hartmann and Gade. He was an authority on sacred choral singing, and wrote many hymns for the Danish church. He was also editor for the Danish hymnbook, as well as for several works by other composers, including Buxtehude, who was relatively unknown at the time.