The 1650 Scottish Metrical Psalter (Split-Leaf)
$35.00
This most recent reprint of The Scottish Psalmody is published by the General Assembly of the Free Church of Scotland (Continuing) and contains the text of the 1650 Metrical Version of the Psalms. The 193 tunes included in this publication are drawn from a wide variety of locations and periods of history. The split-leaf format is designed to facilitate the selection of a tune suited to the content of the Psalm being sung (as well as the repertoire, culture, and musical ability of the singers). Tune suggestions are included for all 150 Psalms, and a topical index of the Psalms may be found at the back of this edition.
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Reviews 2
Jay Nelsestuen (verified owner) –
This edition of the 1650 is wonderful to use. The split-leaf format takes some getting used to (moving your eyes between text and tune can get distracting, especially for someone like me who is used to the American hymnal format), but once that hurdle is overcome, it makes psalm singing a breeze. The suggested tunes are very helpful and allow for greater musical variety; no longer will I have to cycle through the few tunes I know by heart when singing. The only obstacle to my full endorsement of this edition is its price; $40 for a single volume is quite steep. However, I understand that Grange Press may be barely breaking even by offering it at that price, when overseas shipping costs are taken into account. So I am grateful nonetheless. Thank you for a fine edition of my favorite psalter.
George Bancroft –
I have used the split-leaf 1650 Psalter since 1982 in family worship and public worship. I gradually got used to the split-leaf, with no problem starting each psalm in the following manner: by going through the tune once quietly, then start the tune, by just reading the words down below to sing and continue to sing. The greatest advantage to the split-leaf Psalter is for new families, mission congregations,, for training presenters, and presenters choosing what tune they desire. Take note, regardless of how familiar a given presentor is with a tune, I would always turn to the tune and follow the notes; it will gradually teach someone who is unfamiliar with reading music. As a pastor, I am a backup presenter; yet I have to present all too often. I have about 40 tunes or more at my disposal for family worship and about 20-25 for public worship: which are my best choices for public worship. A new family head or young men can first use 2-3 common metre tunes, gradually adding more, and go can through the 150 psalms in order year after year. Take note, unless otherwise stated, the tune is Common metre. When there are two tunes, one will be Common metre. I avoid the terminology “singing psalms keyed to ‘hymns’.” The tunes for the psalms long pre-date tunes for modern hymns. Consider the tune used often for Psalm 23; it is Crimond; and the tune for the modern hymn Amazing Grace is New Britain. Lastly, the first syllable at the beginning of each stanza should be reserved for the presenter, so presenters can properly end each stanza and not feel pressured to race to start the next stanza. Family and congregational singers should listen, follow, and wait for the presenter to end and begin each stanza. If family and congregational singers are to get better and better in singing the psalms, to put it plainly, the presenter must be the boss. Just my advice. Pastor George Bancroft