Powerful Violin and Saxophone 'The Old Rugged Cross' Hymn Instrumental

This instrumental version of “The Old Rugged Cross,” performed on violin and saxophone, is powerful. This rendition of the beloved old church hymn is one you’ll likely find yourself returning to again and again. Watch the short but moving clip to listen to this beautiful performance of “The Old Rugged Cross,” a tune that is near and dear to the hearts of many.

Is there any other type of music more underutilized than church hymns? Typically, we only hear them during a church’s praise and worship service, and even then, it’s not guaranteed. Many churches have begun to pull away from those classic hymns, opting instead to fill their services with more modern and contemporary Christian music.

Contemporary Christian music is fine and is full of many extremely talented people producing some truly great music. However, for my money, and likely, many other people, nothing compares to those church hymns. How could you ever top “Great is Thy Faithfulness,” “Blessed Assurance,” “Victory in Jesus” and “Amazing Grace?” Of course, that answer is simple: you cannot. Nothing comes close to the wave of emotions that comes across listeners whenever they hear the opening verse of “Amazing Grace,” no matter how many times they’ve heard it.

A clip posted on YouTube features two incredibly talented musicians performing the hymn “The Old Rugged Cross.” But instead of uttering any of those iconic and familiar lyrics, it’s an instrumental version, and it’s fantastic.

“On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross
The emblem of suffering and shame
And I love that old cross where the dearest and best
For a world of lost sinners was slain”

With her playing the violin and him on the saxophone, their rendition is a beautiful, dazzling treat for the ears. You will not mind the fact that the hymn’s words are not being sung because you’ll probably be adding your own vocal track as you listen to the two of them play.

1 Corinthians 1:18 “For the word of the cross seems foolish to those who are on the way to destruction; but to us who are on the way to salvation, it is the power of God.”