Perhaps a more strictly authentic application of Tone IV E follows, based on my understanding of the Liber rules (admitting that, when it comes to setting vernacular texts, "strict" can be pretty subjective). I can see breaking up the two-note neumes to accommodate the English word accents (though I don't like it). However, I do think keeping the two-verse-per-refrain structure of the Missal (and most Psalters) helps the flow, keeps the sense, and avoids the long, awkward recitations.
Richard - your version flows nicely. Thank you for posting this.
About the verses: people in our congregation follow along with the missalette as one or more of us sing the Psalm. We print the antiphon in our program (the text and neumes), but do not always have space for the verses. Since our pastor prefers that we print just about everything, it makes good sense for us to stick to an audible rendition of the format printed in the missallette.
And there is really nothing new in a broader sense about listening to a long (loosely defined) recitation. They've heard recitations before -- that's just part of the sound of the Mass. When singing/reciting the English, is natural to add length or a slight pause after certain words or when there is a comma. That is just how nicely articulated English works and the skilled cantor will do this on his own.
When it comes to setting these Lectionary texts, I am forced to toss certain rules to the wayside from time to time. My goal to make things immediately singable in English, but based on the Gregorian tones. Though they are all based on tradition, the music bows, and must bow, to the language. I think that is my ultimate guiding principle. They have proven successful in liturgy from a musical, pastoral, and congregational standpoint 99 percent of the time.
Another nice things is that they require no accompaniment, and nothing but a cantor or two cantors. simple.
Thank you for bringing attention to these great Psalm settings. Arlene, I think we will use your plainchant version. Thank you everyone, for sharing your music!
Thank you, too, Jeff! In fact, I use yours as well sometimes. I will have to adopt the verses to Canadian Lectionary (or GRAIL is still in the CBW II) They are all blessing to us who post and read here! Thank you:)
the chant version of the RP went very well! Thank you AOZ and RR. (the choir sang alone... without the PIPs). It is an alternative in the GIRM or STTL, can't remember which.
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