Hymns Ancient and Modern

Hymns Ancient and Modern is a significant music collection primarily associated with the Church of England. It represents a key development in English hymnody, officially accepted by the church in 1820. The collection, first published in 1861, is characterized by its austere style and adherence to the Anglican Book of Common Prayer, with each hymn typically set to its proper tune.1

The tradition of hymns, songs of praise originating from ancient Sumer and Greece, has a long history in Christian worship. Early Christian hymnody evolved from the singing of psalms in the Hebrew Temple, with significant developments occurring after Christianity was legalized in 313 CE. The Reformation in Germany re-established congregational singing, leading to the development of the German chorale. In England, the evangelical revival of the 18th century, particularly through the work of John and Charles Wesley, was instrumental in establishing hymnody. Hymns Ancient and Modern built upon this foundation, influencing subsequent collections like The English Hymnal.1