Product Description

Fifteen hundred years ago, St. Benedict established a system of ora et labora - prayer and work - that monastics still follow today. Central to this prayerful integration of body and spirit is psalmody, or chanting the psalms. On Singing the Psalms, Episcopal priest Cynthia Bourgeault shows how the psalms - 150 exquisite paeans of praise and supplication to God - can awaken rich spiritual and psychological insights. This ancient path is accessible to you today, whatever your level of vocal skill or theological understanding. An ideal support for both solitary and group practice, Singing the Psalms includes a mini-psalter (psalm book) with instructions, musical notations, rhythmic and melodic suggestions, and more.Topics include: How psalmody can deepen contemplative prayer, Antiphons: the verses you use to "personalize" your psalmody, How to "bring your mind in harmony with your voice", Specific instructions for singing seven psalms and three other sacred songs,! The three functions of psalmody in spiritual transformation, How to create your own musical settings, and much more.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #472347 in Books
• Published on: 2005-10-01
• Format: Audiobook
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Audio CD

About the Author
Rev. Cynthia Bourgeault, Ph.D. is an ordained priest of the Episcopal Church. She received her Ph.D. in medieval studies/musicology from the University of Pennsylvania in 1972. She is a singer, director of medieval dramas, and editor of several books and articles on medieval music and drama, including The Music of Medieval Church Dramas, published by Oxford University Press in 1980. She has been singing psalms for more than 15 years with the Camaldolese Benedictines of Big Sur, California, and more recently with the monks of St. Benedict's Monastery in Snowmass, Colorado.

Customer Reviews

Excellent, and practical teaching methods offered for novice
The material that Cynthia Bourgeault has assembled shows in a very real and practical manner how anyone can incorporate the Singing of the Psalms into their Church Worship Services. She has a great knowledge of both scripture and music. This will provide a Blessing for many.

I will never just "read" the psalms again
For those looking for a christian spiritual path, or just want to learn to sing the psalms for group or private worship. These 4 CDs have a lot of depth. I loved them.

The majority of Psalm examples are sung in english. The audio book begins at a basic level so that you can start singing the psalms right away. Then the author gradually explores more complex aspects and spirituality of singing the psalms. I never understood the value of some of the more difficult/painful psalms before, and the daily office was a mystery to me. No more. The author also provides a very good explanation and examples of Lectio Divina. Once you have listened to this CD it is your choice whether to just enjoy putting the psalms to music or implement the deeper spiritual aspects.

The CD ends with a performance of Psalms for Lauds: Psalm 100, Psalm 63, Psalm 92, Benedictus, and Psalms for Vespers: Incense Rite, Psalm 84, Psalm 137, Magnificat for you to listen to or sing along. Very beautiful.

These CDs were fantastic. I highly recommend this audio book! I will never just "read" the psalms again.

Singing the Psalms
Excellent! Not only a very good starting point for learning to chant the psalms but wonderful theology.