The Modern Hymnal: An interview with Keith Getty

Over the past decade or so, the Protestant church in North America has experienced a revival of sorts. The revival of which I speak is the renaissance of hymnody. I first encountered this movement to resurrect the ancient hymns of the church in 2009 when a band called Page CXVI released an album entitled “Hymns.” With the clear intent of “making hymns accessible and known again,” countless musicians have repurposed, rearranged, or revamped the great hymns of old.[1]

Preeminent among these are Keith and Kristyn Getty.

Standing on the shoulders of giants, the Gettys have distinguished themselves as leaders in the hymnody revival. Though they are among the vanguard of artists reintroducing the church to her musical heritage, they are perhaps best known for their original compositions like “In Christ Alone” (penned by Keith Getty and Stuart Townend). Together the Gettys and the community of musicians with whom they work are revitalizing the church by providing this generation with robust and moving church music.

The following interview of Keith Getty was conducted via email. Read more