Crystal Ball, by J Waterhouse. Wikimedia commons During 2020, blog posts concentrated on selections during social isolation, often choosing songs readily to hand in Together in Song. As we emerge from this difficult phase, we may assume that some music, however limited, will be heard in gatherings once more. [Notes in square brackets indicate arrangements, … Continue reading Crystal Ball, to March 2021
Psalm 148, 27 Dec 20
God gave creation a law that shall not pass away.' (6) "Praise God from the earth, you sea monsters and all deeps, fire and hail, snow and frost, stormy wind" This popular psalm is in the middle of the final group of half a dozen songs of praise which bring the Psalter to a climax. In broadly … Continue reading Psalm 148, 27 Dec 20
A medieval mystery
What is this early chant all about? The assiduous reader will have seen this one in these pages some years ago. It's worth another run. (I won’t ask if you can sing it) Here’s the full text in case you can’t read it: Reno erat Rudolphus / Nasum rubrum habebat;Si quando hunc videbas, Hunc candere … Continue reading A medieval mystery
Psalm 96, 97, 98; 25 Dec 20
[Note: no sung psalm at South Woden, balancing family moments and carols with the great virtue of brevity.] A joyful package suitable to a joyful occasion, these three songs for Christmas Eve and Day sing out in praise of the creator, the source of goodness, and a responsive jubilant creation. Psalm 96 begins with the much-sung ‘Sing to God a … Continue reading Psalm 96, 97, 98; 25 Dec 20
Psalm 89, 20 Dec 20
Psalm 89 is quite long at over fifty verses. So it ranges across several themes, beginning with a song of praise: 1 I will sing of your steadfast love, O Lord, forever; with my mouth I will proclaim your faithfulness to all generations. 2 I declare that your steadfast love is established forever; your faithfulness is as firm as … Continue reading Psalm 89, 20 Dec 20
Psalm 126, 13 Dec 20
Following the blues last Sunday about exile, reflecting many peoples suffering displacement and persecution of one sort or another in this world, here we celebrate hopeful restoration. This short but ringing song recalls the joy of people returning home, restored after years of separation and suppression. When God restored the fortunes of Zion, then were … Continue reading Psalm 126, 13 Dec 20
Psalm 85, 6 Dec 20
‘Justice goes before God, and peace is a road for God’s feet.’ (13) What? Kanga on the keys on the Farrer oval? The first Australians have been conscious of and connected to the land in much stronger and deeper ways than more recent arrivals can comprehend. Their livelihood was far more intimately bound up with their … Continue reading Psalm 85, 6 Dec 20
Psalm 80, 29 Nov 20
Being a song of Asaph, the historical setting -- north and south kingdoms of Israel as it then was, suppression by foreign powers, dissension between the twelve tribes, a 'bowl of tears to drink' -- is the backdrop to Psalm 80. Bells at Taizé village This might not mean much to the modern day listener. … Continue reading Psalm 80, 29 Nov 20
Psalm 100, 22 Nov 20
No speed limit This poem, titled 'A psalm of thanksgiving', is intended as a hymn for singing in worship together, a delight currently denied to many of us. It calls not just for singing, but singing with joy and gladness; for "we are God's people, and the flock of God's pasture". (3) And it invites … Continue reading Psalm 100, 22 Nov 20
Psalm 123, 15 Nov 20
We have had more than enough of contempt.’ (3) Two themes are mingled in this song of ascent: the psalmist declares trust in divine love and protection -- 'To you I lift my eyes... (1)' -- while hoping for mercy and relief from injustice. The writer is wearied by contempt and scorn from the ‘indolent rich’, … Continue reading Psalm 123, 15 Nov 20
