Views & Reviews: Old Recordings of Hymns

Would you like to know how hymns were sung, and how they sounded, a hundred years ago and more–back in the day when some of the authors (such as Fanny Crosby and others) were still alive? Though experimental recording was done as early as the 1870’s, recording music for sale and distribution was still in its infancy in 1898-1910. Nevertheless, there are some examples available from that period.

Ira Sankey (1840-1908), the gospel singer who worked with Dwight L. Moody, recorded a number of hymns late in his life. His voice had lost much of its quality by then, but the work is interesting, nonetheless. (Seven of those songs are available on a CD called “There’ll Be No Dark Valley–Hymns and Sacred Songs Sung by Ira Sankey.”) There is also a CD collection of 28 “Hymns and Sacred Songs” by various soloists, groups and instrumentalists. Either of these can be ordered (quite inexpensively) at http://www.tinfoil.com where many other old recordings can also be found.

You may find the style amusing at times, as it is quite different from what many are used to today. But there is a sincerity and warmth that comes through these remarkably clear recordings that has its own charm. Highly recommended.