The Most Beautiful Hymn, Ranked

Choose the hymn you think is the most beautiful!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on Jul 23, 2024 06:21
Hymns hold a unique place in cultural and spiritual life, often stirring deep emotions and memories. Across various traditions and communities, these musical pieces are celebrated for their beauty and their ability to uplift the spirit. By ranking hymns, we are able to see which tunes resonate most with listeners, providing insights into the universal themes and melodies that appeal across different backgrounds. This ranking system allows users like you to cast votes for the hymns you find most beautiful, thus helping to shape a collective preference. Your participation ensures that the list remains current and reflective of the widest possible range of experiences and sentiments. It is not only about preference but also about sharing the impact and the stories that these hymns carry with them.

What Is the Most Beautiful Hymn?

  1. 3
    42
    points
    Holy, Holy, Holy

    Holy, Holy, Holy

    A Christian hymn written by Reginald Heber (1783–1826). Its lyrics speak to the Trinity.
    • Author: Reginald Heber
    • Year: 1826
  2. 4
    31
    points
    Be Thou My Vision

    Be Thou My Vision

    A traditional Christian hymn of Irish origin. The words are based on a Middle Irish poem often attributed to the sixth-century Irish Christian poet Dallán Forgaill.
    • Origin: Ireland
    • Date: 8th century
  3. 5
    19
    points

    Great Is Thy Faithfulness

    A Christian hymn written by Thomas Chisholm in 1923, with music composed by William M. Runyan.
    • Author: Thomas Chisholm
    • Year: 1923
  4. 6
    17
    points
    In Christ Alone

    In Christ Alone

    A modern Christian hymn written by Keith Getty and Stuart Townend in 2001. It has been recorded by many artists and is a popular contemporary worship song.
    • Authors: Keith Getty & Stuart Townend
    • Year: 2001
  5. 7
    11
    points

    The Old Rugged Cross

    A popular hymn written in 1912 by Evangelical preacher and music director George Bennard.
    • Author: George Bennard
    • Year: 1912
  6. 8
    7
    points
    Ave Maria

    Ave Maria

    A popular and much-recorded setting of the Latin prayer Ave Maria, originally published in 1853.
    • Composer: Franz Schubert
    • Year: 1825
  7. 9
    6
    points

    What A Friend We Have In Jesus

    A Christian hymn originally written by preacher Joseph M. Scriven as a poem in 1855 to comfort his mother living in Ireland.
    • Author: Joseph M. Scriven
    • Year: 1855
  8. 10
    6
    points

    Hallelujah Chorus

    The climax of the second part of Handel's Messiah, the Hallelujah Chorus is one of the most famous pieces of Baroque choral music.
    • Composer: George Frideric Handel
    • Year: 1741

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About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most beautiful hymn. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or Hymn is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 14378 views
  • 262 votes
  • 10 ranked items

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Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each Hymn once every 24 hours. The rank of each Hymn is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

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More about the Most Beautiful Hymn

Amazing Grace
Rank #1 for the most beautiful hymn: Amazing Grace (Source)
Hymns have long held a special place in human culture. They often carry deep emotions and spiritual significance. People sing hymns in various settings, from grand cathedrals to small chapels. These songs bring communities together, offering comfort and a sense of unity.

The beauty of a hymn lies in its simplicity. Most hymns have straightforward melodies and lyrics. This makes them easy to sing and remember. The music often follows a predictable pattern, which helps people join in without much practice. The words usually focus on themes like love, hope, and faith. These universal themes resonate with many people, regardless of their background.

Hymns often use poetic language. This adds to their appeal. The words paint vivid pictures and evoke strong feelings. Imagery in hymns can transport listeners to different times and places. Some hymns describe natural scenes, while others focus on human experiences. This rich language makes the songs more engaging and memorable.

The history of hymns is long and varied. They date back thousands of years. Early hymns were often chants. These were simple and repetitive. Over time, hymns evolved. They became more complex in both music and lyrics. Different cultures and religions have their own hymn traditions. Despite these differences, many hymns share common elements. This shows the universal nature of these songs.

The role of hymns in worship is significant. They help set the tone for religious services. Singing a hymn can create a sense of reverence and reflection. It can also uplift spirits and inspire action. Hymns often mark important moments in life. They are sung at weddings, funerals, and other ceremonies. These songs help people express their emotions during these times.

Hymns also have a social aspect. Singing together can strengthen bonds within a community. It fosters a sense of belonging and shared purpose. This is especially true in smaller groups, where everyone’s voice contributes to the whole. The act of singing together can create a powerful, collective experience.

In addition to their spiritual and social roles, hymns have educational value. They often contain teachings and moral lessons. These can be more memorable when set to music. People, especially children, can learn important values through hymns. The repetitive nature of these songs helps reinforce the messages.

The composition of hymns is an art form. Writing a hymn requires skill and inspiration. The best hymns balance simplicity with depth. They are easy to sing but rich in meaning. Composers often draw on personal experiences and cultural traditions. This gives each hymn a unique character.

Hymns continue to evolve. New hymns are written to address contemporary issues. These modern hymns still follow traditional patterns. This blend of old and new keeps the tradition alive and relevant. People continue to find comfort and inspiration in these songs.

In conclusion, hymns hold a timeless appeal. Their beauty lies in their simplicity, poetic language, and universal themes. They play important roles in worship, community building, and education. The tradition of hymn-singing continues to thrive, adapting to the needs of each generation.

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