Psalms for Angela's Congregation

[Nick Baty]

Removed

[The original poster has removed his post - Musicus, moderator]

[Angela Barber]

I always thought the antiphon was the response. Perhaps I'm wrong and need to be enlightened..............
Our newsletter is an A4 sheet packed with info. so psalm music wouldn't get a look in.
Thanks for your help anyway.
Angela

[organist]

At Westminster Cathedral the people are given the music of antiphon/response. When I cantor I try to indicate with my right hand the shape of the tune - I saw this done by an animateur at San Anselmo Benedictine monastery Rome and it really helped. Of course it's an art. The psalm settings at the cathedral seem to be written by the staff there and are usually pretty straightforward. I really think it helps if there is a definite chord from the organ before a response starting on the last beat of the bar which so many do. It also helps if the organist solos out the tune before the cantor sings it and can also solo out the response when accompanying cantor and people. The first note of the response needs to have a relation to the last note of the verse. This is mainly because it is a vast space and it makes it easier to hear the melody.
Planning ahead and getting the music to the singer well before time is also a very good idea. It all helps to make one more confident. I'd say I was a very experienced singer but practically sightreading something (after a short pre-service rehearsal) in front of 1000 people is no joke!
I still think some of Eugene Monaghan's settings are hard to beat. He has set the complete 3 year cycle in 3 books.