Series: A History of Psalm 130 in Music

A History of Psalm 130 in Music: Part 1

A History of Psalm 130 in Music: Part 1

This entry is part 1 of 6 in the series A History of Psalm 130 in Music You can read more posts from the series by using the Contents in the right sidebar.

Sometimes we really don’t appreciate the continuity of the Christian tradition, especially in that there is, by and large, an approach to the music of worship that can be traced back to ancient Israel itself and its psalmody. Over the next several weeks, I want to trace how a particular psalm, Psalm 130, has been… Continue Reading

Ancient and early Medieval Settings of Psalm 130

Ancient and early Medieval Settings of Psalm 130

This entry is part 2 of 6 in the series A History of Psalm 130 in Music You can read more posts from the series by using the Contents in the right sidebar.

This is a series looking at how Psalm 130 has been set to music by the people of God throughout history. In my first installment, I simply observed different characteristics of the psalm, which is one of lament for sin, holy fear, and hope for redemption. Of course, we are ultimately unsure of how Psalm… Continue Reading

Renaissance and early Reformation Settings of Psalm 130 (Part 3)

Renaissance and early Reformation Settings of Psalm 130 (Part 3)

This entry is part 3 of 6 in the series A History of Psalm 130 in Music You can read more posts from the series by using the Contents in the right sidebar.

Last week we heard what Psalm 130 might have sounded like in ancient Jewish settings, as well as the Gregorian chant version of it. As early as the 6th century, medieval Christians began grouping particular psalms together that all confessed sorrow over sin and pleaded for forgiveness from God. Augustine had originally identified four of… Continue Reading

Early Reformation Settings of Psalm 130 (Part 4)

Early Reformation Settings of Psalm 130 (Part 4)

This entry is part 4 of 6 in the series A History of Psalm 130 in Music You can read more posts from the series by using the Contents in the right sidebar.

Our series on the history of Psalm 130 in music led us last week to the pinnacle of Renaissance polyphony (via Lassus) and the dawn of the Reformation (via Martin Luther). The Reformation rightly saw that singing needed to return to the hands of the congregation of saints. While this led to some innovations in… Continue Reading

Psalm 130 in the Hands of a Young Johann Sebastian (Part 5)

Psalm 130 in the Hands of a Young Johann Sebastian (Part 5)

This entry is part 5 of 6 in the series A History of Psalm 130 in Music You can read more posts from the series by using the Contents in the right sidebar.

We have been exploring settings of Psalm 130 throughout history. After an brief exposition of the psalm, we began with a look at ancient Jewish and Christian settings. Then we turned to Orlande de Lassus and Martin Luther, examples of Renaissance and early Reformation expressions. Last week’s post looked at the Genevan and Scottish Psalters,… Continue Reading

Psalm 130 since Bach (Part 6)

Psalm 130 since Bach (Part 6)

This entry is part 6 of 6 in the series A History of Psalm 130 in Music You can read more posts from the series by using the Contents in the right sidebar.

We have been looking at the history of Psalm 130 in music. project management assignment Last time, we looked at Bach’s treatment of the Psalm (Other installments: Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4). This week, I want to highlight one other setting, suggest some conclusions, and provide several other settings… Continue Reading