Little proof is needed that the psalms were written as songs, and benefit immensely from the sweet meeting of poetry and music. Here it is anyway. This psalm's sub-title advises the leader (for the first time in the Psalter in fact): 'With stringed instruments.' Interval at an early music concert, a mass by Orazio Vecchi … Continue reading Psalm 4, 18 Apr 21
Category: Psalms
Psalm 133, 11 April 21
Here it is in its short and sweet entirety, under the headingThe Blessedness of Unity. A Song of Ascents. 1 How very good and pleasant it is when kindred live together in unity!2 It is like the precious oil on the head, running down upon the beard,on the beard of Aaron, running down over the collar of his robes.3 It is … Continue reading Psalm 133, 11 April 21
Psalm 114 or 118, Easter 4 Mar 21
Happy Easter to all readers. By the way, if you thought 2020 went by slowly, here we are in April 2021 already and somehow, the previous entry on Good Friday was Psalms in the South post #450. How did that happen? The first notes of 'Terra tremuit' by William Byrd, quoting Psalm 114:7; 'Tremble O … Continue reading Psalm 114 or 118, Easter 4 Mar 21
Psalm 22, Good Friday 2 Apr 21
Good Friday is traditionally and appropriately a minimalist quiet moment of reflection. This psalm text, a harbinger of the dark moments in the story of Jesus, captures the mood perfectly. It seems permanently consigned to this ritual by virtue of Jesus’ quoting it on the cross: ‘Why have you forsaken me?’ Then also the predictions: … Continue reading Psalm 22, Good Friday 2 Apr 21
Psalm 118 and 31, 28 March 2021
Palms come in many shapes and sizes, like those who wave them. These ones at Percy Island, Queensland. Two psalms are listed in the two liturgies for Palm Sunday: Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29 for the Palms, and Psalm 31:9-16 in the liturgy of the Passion. The two occasions celebrated are marked by quite different emotions. The … Continue reading Psalm 118 and 31, 28 March 2021
Crystal Ball, to May 2021
Crystal Ball, by J Waterhouse. Wikimedia commons This notice is mainly for Woden Valley UC leaders and singers for planning coming song choices. Suggested choices only; subject to leaders' choices. Other ideas from members always welcomed. Please review and volunteer to sing in a group or solo on any date or all. 28 Mar 21. … Continue reading Crystal Ball, to May 2021
Psalm 51: 21 March 2021
[At Woden Valley this week: scroll right down Psalm 51 is the fourth or middle of the so-called ‘Penitential Psalms’. The subtitle is instructive: "To the leader. A Psalm of David, when the prophet Nathan came to him, after he had gone in to Bathsheba." So this is a sincere prayer by David seeking forgiveness and … Continue reading Psalm 51: 21 March 2021
Psalm 107, 14 March 2021
‘Let those who are wise consider the steadfast love of God’ (43) Many threads to a story. ‘Songlines’ exhibition at National Gallery of Australia, Feb 2018. Many of the psalms include references to widely varying ideas, statements and twists tossed in that at first sight seem to confuse. Sometimes they meld into a tasty, herbal mix: … Continue reading Psalm 107, 14 March 2021
Psalm 19, 7 March 2021
‘The statutes of God are just and rejoice the heart’ (6) Psalm 19 declares the glory of the divine as seen in the creation. The first section paints a picture of the worlds vibrantly interacting, speaking powerfully and prophetically without words, in response to the divine creative spirit. David thus declares the presence and influence of … Continue reading Psalm 19, 7 March 2021
International Women’s Day, 8 March 21
IWD is usually celebrated at Woden Valley Uniting and in many other venues during a Sunday service close to 8 March. Some comments, however selective, superficial and inexpert, are appropriate in a web-site dedicated to the music of the psalms and canticles. The inattentive visitor looking up at the vaulted Duomo of Siena might tread … Continue reading International Women’s Day, 8 March 21
Psalms in the South 