Nineteenth Century American Sacred Music: From Fuging Tune to Oratorio

Nineteenth–century American sacred music was largely influenced by European classical musical standards and practices but tempered by a more straightforward (and simpler) American approach. On this 1980 recording, the 15-member Isaiah Thomas Singers, under the direction of David McKay, present a program of 19th–century sacred American music ranging from ornate polyphonic music to a tuneful rarity by Stephen Foster. The singers are accompanied by organist Stephen Long, an authority on early American pipe organs.

The liner notes, written by McKay, include a detailed discussion of 19th–century American sacred music, as well as biographical and musical information on each composer and selection. McKay also recorded two other Smithsonian Folkways recordings of early American music (Music for the Colonial Band — FW 32378 and Music for the Colonial Orchestra — FW 32380).

Track Listing

101	Dona Nobis	The Isaiah Thomas Singers, David P. McKay, Stephen Long	06:26
102	Jubilate	The Isaiah Thomas Singers, David P. McKay, Stephen Long	04:35
103	The Lord's Prayer	The Isaiah Thomas Singers, David P. McKay, Stephen Long	01:40
104	Pars Mea, Rex Meus	The Isaiah Thomas Singers, David P. McKay, Stephen Long	03:54
105	Turn Ye, Turn Ye	The Isaiah Thomas Singers, David P. McKay, Stephen Long	03:07
106	I Will Lift up Mine Eyes	The Isaiah Thomas Singers, David P. McKay, Stephen Long	02:31
201	Northfield	The Isaiah Thomas Singers, David P. McKay, Stephen Long	00:27
202	Kyrie Eleison	The Isaiah Thomas Singers, David P. McKay, Stephen Long	02:55
203	Praise Ye the Lord	The Isaiah Thomas Singers, David P. McKay, Stephen Long	02:38
204	Cantate Domino No. 8	The Isaiah Thomas Singers, David P. McKay, Stephen Long	02:26
205	I Will Extol Thee, My God, O King	The Isaiah Thomas Singers, David P. McKay, Stephen Long	03:10
206	Suffer Little Children to Come Unto Me	The Isaiah Thomas Singers, David P. McKay, Stephen Long	01:19
207	The Singing Lesson	The Isaiah Thomas Singers, David P. McKay, Stephen Long	02:04
208	We Praise Thee, O God	The Isaiah Thomas Singers, David P. McKay, Stephen Long	04:05