One would be hard put to find a hymn as well-known and loved in these past two centuries than Amazing Grace.
Originally written by John Newton–a slave trader turned preacher and abolitionist–it became prominent in the second great religious awakening, accompanying many sermons. It so aptly captured the “dangers, toils, and snares” that was the experience of a people pioneering westward and a nation that looked to no king but instead declared “In God we Trust” through the institution of a republic. “It then became the rallying anthem against slavery, adopted as an iconic black spiritual, emblematic of the American journey.” (Wikipedia)
With the development of recorded music, the unique experience and interpretation of the hymn by different artists became available to the public, Its first recording was an acapella version in 1922 by the Sacred Harp Choir. This month’s Spotify picks of this beloved hymn gives us a peek at the many ways its message of deliverance from sin continues to resonate through different arrangements.
Vocal Solo, Ensembles and Choir
Album: The Promise
Artist: Il Divo
Album: Sing, Ye Heavens
Artist: The Cambridge Singers
Album: Believe
Artist: Andrea Bocelli & Alison Krauss
Album: Lead With Your Heart
Artist: The Tenors feat. Natalie Grant
Album: Homeland
Artist: Spivey Hall Children’s Choir
Album: Amazing Grace
Artist: The Antrim Mennonite Choir
Album: Hymns
Artist: Caleb and Kelsey
Album: Hymn-Capella
Artist: Anthem Lights
Album: Winds of Change
Artist: Women of Heart
Album: Amazing Grace — Songs of Atonement
Artist: Millenial Choirs & Orchestras
Winds
Album: Flute Oboe
Artist: Momo Sakura & Masayo Miyata
Album: Flutes-Relaxation & Meditation
Artist: Hanno Herbst
Album: Amazing Grace Bagpipes
Artists: Amazing Grace Bagpipes
Album: Amazing Grace: Favorite Hymns Flute
Artist: Yoshie Ueno
Piano
Album: Hymns of Worship. Vol. 1
Artist: Hymns on Piano
Album: Grace
Artist: David Tolk
String Ensemble
Album: Beautiful Day to Remember
Artist: Bridesmaids Quartet
Album: Wedding Music for Violin and Piano
Artist: The Violin Sisters
Album: Pipes Tranquility
Artist: Tommy Scott
Strings and Piano
Album: Sanctuary
Artist: Phillip Keveren
Album: Instrumental Hymns
Artist: Chun Jiyoun
Album: Classical Worship
Artist: Phillip Keveren
Album: Strings From Heaven
Artist: Sang Jin Kim
Orchestral
Album: Majesty Masterpieces
Artist: Shelly Hamilton & Majesty Orchestra
Album: Love Divine
Artist: Ian Mulder
Album: Pipes Tranquility
Artist: Tommy Scott
Chimes
Album: Amazing Grace
Artist: The Mallets
Brass
Album: The Impossible Dream
Artist: Phillip Keveren; Star City Symphony
Do you have any favorites on Spotify that is not a part of the list? Let us know on the comment section below!
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