Crystal Ball, Sep and Oct ’14

Our days quickly pass — Psalm 90:10

They surely fly by, and meanwhile we have gone from one psalm to another, one style to another, ancient to modern in the twinkling of an eye. So it must be time for another look into that Crystal Ball to reflect the twinkle in our eyes for the coming months.

The last CB entry wound up promising the delights of Orlando de Lasso and his Confitemini Domino à 5. This timeless and inspiring music was delightful; thanks to the singers.

Then on 24 August for Psalm 124, the men’s group (thanks to Barry from Adelaide who joined us) led an African-American song Guide my feet, familiar to us from the visits of The Gospel Folk — it’s in TiS and New Century no. 497 but we used a modified 4-part setting.

From here on, your correspondent and cantor may appear a little uncertain, mainly due to the fact that he is a little uncertain. I’ll be absent for a while pursuing family commitments so song choices are a work in progress. However, here’s a sketch.

The plot

Psalm 105 appears again by virtue of its ongoing references to the story being told from Genesis over several weeks. When all five of our expert singers are available, perhaps 7 September to be confirmed, you will have the pleasure and inspiration of another rendition of Confitemini Domino by Lassus. One voice per part is demanding but it’s surely beautiful music. The selected verses will again be sung to the Gregorian chant VIII.

14 September, Psalm 114: Offerings for this psalm are unusual. As with Psalm 133 recently, there are older setting by William Byrd and Samuel Wesley but they demand five or eight part singing. The Everett response is interesting but chooses a relatively obscure text which would only be chosen if it supports the message of the day. It’s still a TBA.

21 September, Psalm 105: if used, this will not be the Lassus setting.

28 September, Psalm 78: TiS includes a setting at no 41, We shall listen, which would suit men’s voices (fourth Sunday). No. 636 God has spoken, a Hasidic traditional song, is also a great option for men’s voices; another version of this song, easier to read for two-part singing, appears at PFAS 78C. It’s school holidays, but there may be enough men in town to convene the 4th Sunday group.

• All men please answer the call.

5 October, Psalm 19: We have previously sung this to the gospel-reggae tune Rivers of Babylon, since it quotes the last verse, ‘Let the words of my mouth …’ Let’s enjoy it again – the song sheet is on Dropbox.

• All singers and instrumentalists welcome to give this some life and energy

12 October, Psalm 106: this is a companion to old friend Psalm 105 as both refer to the Exodus story. There’s an old (17th C) piece by Thomas Tomkins for TTBB which would suit the men’s voices; but I have arranged a sonorous piece from the Slavonian Orthodox tradition perfect for the 4th Sunday on 26 Oct. So this week we may sing the John Bell piece in PFAS (106A).

19 October, Psalm 99: I am captivated by the powerful message that Isaac Everett chose for his response in The emergent psalter. His take on verse 4 goes:

O mighty God, lover of justice, it was you who created equity.

Justice, equity. Let’s have more of it!

26 October, Psalm 90: a paraphrase of this psalm sits well in an ancient Byzantine traditional chant of the Beatitudes called Vo Tsarstvi Tvoiem from the Slavonian Orthodox churches. It’s the 4th Sunday again, so:

• Men, you will really revel in the harmonies of this old chant. Note the date. Music is already on Dropbox for your attention and pleasure.