Jesus Paid It All [Alf:00-29347]

Jesus Paid It All, by American hymnist Elvina Mable Hall (1822-1889), is one of the most beloved hymns of the 19th century. It is reported that on the occasion of composing the hymn tune, John T. Grape (1835-1915) was told, by his choir and friends, that his melody was "very poor", though his wife vehemently disagreed and assured him that his music would endure. She was, of course, correct. This hauntingly beautiful setting, by Richard Kingsmore, begins in the minor mode with reflective reverie, using the warm major mode to distinguish the refrain, "Jesus paid it all, all to Him I owe." Available in multiple voicings, this anthem is appropriate for worship all year long.