I am arranging these Psalms in response to requests to make the traditional service at my church more traditional and liturgical. We did not want to use existing chants, as they would require a big educational effort. Chanting skills have not been maintained properly in most churches throughout the U.S.
My solution involves using metrical versions of the Psalms, set to familiar hymn tunes, which the congregation sings on the odd-numbered verses. A cantor takes the even-numbered verses alone, singing a rhythmically free chant based on the hymn tune. Thus, the congregation is not asked to sing an unfamiliar tune, nor synchronize rhythmically-free music. Yet, the chanting is still present.
A very useful website called Music For the Church of God is my source for metrical versions of the Psalms in the public domain. Each week I add a new Psalm to the list, according to this schedule of scripture readings from the Lutheran Church, Missouri Synod. The chants available here cover most Psalms in the liturgical cycle. PDF and Coda Finale file formats are available.
All church musicians are invited to use these Psalms freely for
liturgical purposes. I only ask that you let me know
via email if you use them.
(If you are looking for my choral compositions, you will find them here. Sound files are available for download, plus scores in pdf for perusal purposes.)
Psalm 1 (Presbyterian Psalter of 1887; Melita)
PDF or
Finale File
Psalm 16 (Isaac Watts; Chesterfield)
PDF or
Finale File
Psalm 24, v1-5,10,11 (Charles Wesley; Duke Street)
PDF or
Finale File
Psalm 25, v1-5,7-10 (Scottish Psalter; Franconia)
PDF or
Finale File
Psalm 27, v1-5 (Isaac Watts; St. Anne)
PDF or
Finale File
Psalm 34, v1-10 (Brady & Tate; Land of Rest)
PDF or
Finale File
Psalm 45, v1,2,7-9 (The Scottish Psalter; Evan)
PDF or
Finale File
Psalm 50, v1-5 (Isaac Watts; Martyrdom)
PDF or
Finale File
Psalm 51 (Presbyterian Psalter of 1887; Consolation)
PDF or
Finale File
Psalm 62 (Isaac Watts; Tallis' Canon)
PDF or
Finale File
Psalm 72, v1-3,5,6 (James Montgomery; Ellacome)
PDF or
Finale File
Psalm 92 v1-5 (Isaac Watts; Tallis' Canon)
PDF or
Finale File
Psalm 95 v1-5 (Sternhold & Hopkins; St. Anne)
PDF or
Finale File
Psalm 98 (1887 Psalter of the United Presbyterian Church; Jefferson)
PDF or
Finale File
Psalm 103 (The Psalter for Christian Worship; Ratisbon)
PDF or
Finale File
Psalm 105 v1-7 (Sternhold & Hopkins; Chesterfield)
PDF or
Finale File
Psalm 111 (Brady & Tate; Tallis' Canon)
PDF or
Finale File
Psalm 116 v1-4, 7-9 (Brady & Tate; Nun Danket All)
PDF or
Finale File
Psalm 119 v33-40 (Brady & Tate; Evan)
PDF or
Finale File
Psalm 119 v161-8 (Sternhold & Hopkins; Nun Danket All)
PDF or
Finale File
Psalm 119 v169-176 (Brady & Tate; Nun Danket All)
PDF or
Finale File
Psalm 130 (Scottish Psalter; Martyrdom)
PDF or
Finale File
Psalm 146 (Sternhold & Hopkins; Evan)
PDF or
Finale File