“RIVERS OF DELIGHT: American Folk Hymns.” Word...

“RIVERS OF DELIGHT: American Folk Hymns.” Word of Mouth Chorus, led by Larry Gordon. Elektra/Nonesuch 9 71360-2 (compact disc). There is no brighter, more vital music in American history than the a cappella “shape-note” hymns so brilliantly sung and recorded (in 1978) on this disc. These 21 largely religious pieces, with modal melodies and open harmonies, have a distinctly primitive sound and recall a period when Americans sang and loved--instead of just listened to--vocal music.