A new Publication from St Mungo Music
Psalms and Songs of the Bible Book 1
This collection of psalms and canticles is the first of a set of three, and includes versions of psalms 1, 4, 8, 15, 17, 18, 20, 21, 22, 23, and 24. It also includes The Benedictus, the Magnificat, the Canticle of Ezechiel (to the tune ‘Slane’ and with optional descant and choir parts), and 3 versions of the canticle from Philippians 2:6-11. The settings have been made by associates of St Mungo Music in Glasgow. Some of the material is already on our
There is an introduction on ‘the psalm’ by Noel S Donnelly (which can be seen on this website under Liturgical Resources), and The Preface is as follows:
‘This collection of psalms and canticles is the first of a set of three. The settings have been made by associates of St Mungo Music in Glasgow. Some of the material is already on our website and more will follow. On stmungomusic.org.uk you will be able to read the words, see and print the music and, often, listen to the psalms or canticles being sung.
The psalm settings have been written for a variety of occasions and singers and it will be noticed that some are very simple while others make more serious demands on the psalmist. It is fair to suggest that In the more than forty years since the 2nd Vatican Council the increased attention we have given to scripture and our growing familiarization with the psalms both in liturgy and in private prayer has been of immense spiritual benefit to us. The Canticles or songs of the Bible too have practically been rediscovered. For most people the very word ‘canticle’ has implied The Song of Mary, or of Simeon or Zechariah – the Benedictus, Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis of the Prayer of the Church. Now we are more aware of other biblical songs from both the old and the new Testaments and of their value to us who have inherited so much of faith from the people of Israel and the Christian community of Apostolic times.
The Archdiocesan Music Committee gladly acknowledges the generosity of the St Mungo Singers and the many cantors who have so kindly allowed recordings made in St Leo’s, St Albert’s, St Paul’s, Shettleston, St Michael’s, Dumbarton, Ibrox Parish Church and Pluscarden Abbey to be used to assist singers develop their repertoire.’
Gerry Fitzpatrick,
Director of Music,
Archdiocese of Glasgow August 2009
A workshop for launching this book is being planned for November 5th
