Psalm Chant Based on Hymn Tunes

On this page you will find psalm tones based on portions of familiar hymn tunes. The tones follow the simple conventions of Anglican chant, and the following video explains how it is done:

The tones are all twelve measures, and so psalms should be pointed with groups of four phrases, as in the example below:

Psalm 51
1 Have mercy on me, O God, according to your | steadfast | love;
according to your abundant mercy blot out | my trans- | gressions.
2 Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me | from my | sin!
3 For I know my transgressions, and my sin is | ever be- | fore me.

4 Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil | in your | sight,
so that you may be justified in your words and blameless | in your | judgment.
5 Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin did my | mother con- | ceive me.
6 Behold, you delight in truth in the inward being, and you teach me wisdom in the |
secret | heart.

7 Purge me with hyssop, and I | shall be | clean;
wash me, and I shall be | whiter than | snow.
8 Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones that you have | broken re- | joice.
9 Hide your face from my sins, and blot out all | my in- | iquities.

10 Create in me a clean | heart, O | God,
and renew a right | spirit with- | in me.
12 Restore to me the joy of | your sal- | vation,
and uphold me with a | willing | spirit.

Amen.

Hamburg (“When I Survey”)

Minor mode version:

Veni Emmanuel (“O Come, O Come Emmanuel”)

Genevan 42 (“Comfort, Comfort Ye My People”)