My first introduction to it was in the early 90's thanks to the acapella harmony group Bread and Roses.Following a workshop with them (and strangely enough I think Russia was one of the hymns we tackled), I got more information from Sarah Morgan,and sent off for my own copy of The Sacred Harp from the States. As Ralphie said it's a grand piece of work.

Eventually did some further workshops with Larry Gordon and Village Harmony, and bought another collection of more modern Shape note songs too. It's intoxicating full throated stuff, with dissonances and runs which really shouldn't work technically, but do. And if I get the chance this year, I'd like to get to an event somewhere and sing some more of the stuff!