• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Corpus Christi Watershed

Pope Saint Paul VI (3 April 1969): “Although the text of the Roman Gradual—at least that which concerns the singing—has not been changed, the Entrance antiphons and Communions antiphons have been revised for Masses without singing.”

  • Donate
  • Our Team
    • Our Editorial Policy
    • Who We Are
    • How To Contact Us
    • Sainte Marie Bulletin Articles
    • Jeff’s Mom Joins Fundraiser
  • Pew Resources
    • Brébeuf Catholic Hymnal
    • Jogues Illuminated Missal
    • KYRIALE • Saint Antoine Daniel
    • Campion Missal, 3rd Edition
    • Repository • “Spanish Music”
    • Ordinary Form Feasts (Sainte-Marie)
  • MUSICAL WEBSITES
    • René Goupil Gregorian Chant
    • Noël Chabanel Psalms
    • Nova Organi Harmonia (2,279 pages)
    • Roman Missal, 3rd Edition
    • Catechism of Gregorian Rhythm
    • Father Enemond Massé Manuscripts
    • Lalemant Polyphonic
  • Miscellaneous
    • Site Map
    • Secrets of the Conscientious Choirmaster
    • “Wedding March” for lazy organists
    • Emporium Kevin Allen
    • Saint Jean de Lalande Library
    • Sacred Music Symposium 2023
    • The Eight Gregorian Modes
    • Gradual by Pothier’s Protégé
    • Seven (7) Considerations
Views from the Choir Loft

Psalms, Psalmody, Psalmists, Psalm Singing

Dr. Gregory Hamilton · March 10, 2020

Detail from the Poissy Processional, Fitzwilliam Mus. MS McClean 63, folio 131

URLEY one of the greatest treasures that the church has been given is the “Hymnbook of the Church”; the book of Psalms. The Psalms in the bible depict every mood and emotional state, from fear, utter dejection to ecstatic praise of Yahweh. But every one of the psalms are written with I and Thou in mind. None are an empty soliloquy with no one there. No matter how dejected the mood, God is always there, and even though the psalmist may not be hearing the voice of God, through faith he believes that Yahweh is there. This is one of the messages of the psalms.

We would do well to remember that the early Christians took the synagogue service and adopted it to meet the new faith. The core of the Jewish liturgy was the cantillation of the Psalter. This is one of the greatest gifts that our Jewish Brethren have given us. Some of you may not know, but in seminaries and houses of religious, the 150 psalms are still recited or sung every month.

…And we should make another point. ALL of the psalms were created as SUNG MUSIC. The idea of a ‘recited psalm’ is an oxymoron.

If we were to think about some of the ways that during Mass we use psalmody, in particular the form in the Novus Ordo, the responsorial psalm is one we deal with at every Mass. This form of the psalm, though similar, replaces the “Gradual” in the old rite. This was called the “gradual” because the psalmist sung it while standing on the steps leading to the altar, it was sort of half way up to the altar.

Unfortunately in our day, the responsorial psalm has been subjected to some of the most “colorful” experiments. We all have witnessed the phenomenon of the “helicopter cantor” and the psalmist who takes his or her musical style from the bar down the street. (not that I have anything against bars per se…)

The GIRM (General Instruction of the Roman Missal) has this succinct bit concerning cantors/psalmists:

102. It is the psalmist’s place to sing the Psalm or other biblical canticle to be found between the readings. To carry out this function correctly, it is necessary for the psalmist to be accomplished in the art of singing Psalms and have a facility in correct pronunciation and diction.

…nuff said!

The GIRM also mentions that the ‘usual’ form of the psalm between the readings, is not the only way that the psalm may be presented: The psalm may be sung straight though, or metrical versions of the psalm may be used as well – for example, the rich tradition of Anglican Psalmody would be possible. Also, (an opinion) if the verses are normally sung by a cantor or choir, why can’t some of our fine composers compose some polyphony for the verses? there is nothing rubrically against this. The use of psalm tones are laudable, but not the only way. And, it should be said, one of the greatest losses in the reformation of the liturgy is the Gradual, and also the Gregorian Alleluia, with it’s “Jubilus” (extended melismatic Alleluias).

However, if we were to think about what might be some virtues of musically good responsorial psalmody, we might come up with the following:

1. Must be easily singable. If you are going to sing a responsorial psalm for the faithful rather than the Gregorian Gradual, surely the response should be singable by the people.

2. It is helpful that they are learnable by amateur cantors. Few of us in the church have the luxury of professional cantors/soloists. Therefore, the people we work with vary in talent and ability. A misconception must be corrected: There is nothing wrong with simple music, but there is no excuse for poor quality music.

3. They must be beautiful—they must have appeal as good MUSIC, not just “something that will work”.

4. The should be composed with good harmony.

It JUST so happens, that there is a great body of psalmody on this very site! – I recommend the Chabanel Psalms, which meet all these requirements most admirably!

Opinions by blog authors do not necessarily represent the views of Corpus Christi Watershed.

Filed Under: Articles Last Updated: March 11, 2020

Subscribe

It greatly helps us if you subscribe to our mailing list!

* indicates required

About Dr. Gregory Hamilton

Dr. Gregory Hamilton is a composer and performer currently on the faculty of Holy Trinity Seminary in Dallas TX.—(Read full biography).

Primary Sidebar

Corpus Christi Watershed

President’s Corner

    “Music List” • 22nd in Ordinary Time (Year C)
    Some have expressed interest in perusing the ORDER OF MUSIC I’ve prepared for 31 August 2025, which is the 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year C). If such a thing interests you, feel free to download it as a PDF file. As always, the Responsorial Psalm, Gospel Acclamation, and Mass Propers for this Sunday are conveniently stored at the spectacular feasts website alongside the official texts in Latin.
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    “The Worm That Dieth Not”
    My pastor asked me to write a column for our parish bulletin with reflections on the sacred liturgy and church music. In my most recent article, I discuss “The Worm That Dieth Not.” At this website, you can access it conveniently; simply scroll down to the one dated 31 August 2025.
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    A Nice Hymn In Spanish
    In my humble opinion, this is a really beautiful hymn in Spanish. If I practice diligently, I’ll be able to pronounce all the words properly. If you’re someone who’s interested in obtaining a melody only version (suitable for your congregational ORDER OF WORSHIP) you can steal that from this.
    —Jeff Ostrowski

Quick Thoughts

    Solemn “Salve Regina” (Chant)
    How many “S” words can you think of using alliteration? How about Schwann Solemn Salve Score? You can download the SOLEMN SALVE REGINA in Gregorian Chant. The notation follows the official rhythm (EDITIO VATICANA). Canon Jules Van Nuffel, choirmaster of the Cathedral of Saint Rumbold, composed this accompaniment for it (although some feel it isn’t his best work).
    —Corpus Christi Watershed
    Pope Pius XII Hymnal?
    Have you ever heard of the Pope Pius XII Hymnal? It’s a real book, published in the United States in 1959. Here’s a sample page so you can verify with your own eyes it existed.
    —Corpus Christi Watershed
    “Hybrid” Chant Notation?
    Over the years, many have tried to ‘simplify’ plainsong notation. The O’Fallon Propers attempted to simplify the notation—but ended up making matters worse. Dr. Karl Weinmann tried to do the same in the time of Pope Saint Pius X by replacing each porrectus. You can examine a specimen from his edition and see whether you agree he complicated matters. In particular, look at what he did with éxsules fílii Hévae.
    —Corpus Christi Watershed

Random Quote

“Unfortunately, on the one hand a deadly error in judgment placed the official leadership of this committee into the hands of a man who—though generous and brave—was not very knowledgeable: Cardinal Lercaro. He was utterly incapable of resisting the maneuvers of the mealy-mouthed scoundrel that the Neapolitan Vincentian, Bugnini, a man as bereft of culture as he was of basic honesty, soon revealed himself to be.”

— ‘Fr. Louis Bouyer, an important member of the Consilium’

Recent Posts

  • Exec. Director of ICEL weighs in on our series • “PDF comparison chart” included
  • “Music List” • 22nd in Ordinary Time (Year C)
  • Brave Schola Director Posts ‘Live’ Recording
  • “Cracker Barrel & Catholicism” • Logos and Lessons
  • “Reform of the Reform” officially embraced by USCCB

Subscribe

Subscribe

* indicates required

Copyright © 2025 Corpus Christi Watershed · Isaac Jogues on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in

Corpus Christi Watershed is a 501(c)3 public charity dedicated to exploring and embodying as our calling the relationship of religion, culture, and the arts. This non-profit organization employs the creative media in service of theology, the Church, and Christian culture for the enrichment and enjoyment of the public.