A Set of Psalm Tunes (Thomas Clark)
General information
Publication
Thomas Clark's A Set of Psalm Tunes was published in 1805: the book was entered at Stationers' Hall by the composer on 16 October 1805. It was subsequently reissued: the Hymn Tune Index notes that the exemplar at GB-Lbl: H.967.(1.) is 'probably a later issue' as the address details of the publisher given in the imprint ('London / Printed at BUTTON & WHITAKER’S Music & Musical Instrut Warehouse, / No 75, St Paul’s Church Yard') date it to the period c1808-1814.
Description of contents
A Set of Psalm Tunes contains 11 metrical psalm tunes (setting 2 texts from the 'Old Version' of Sternhold & Hopkins, 7 from the 'New Version' of Tate & Brady, and 2 by Isaac Watts), and a through-composed setting of the New Version Psalm 150.
The music is laid out in full score with the soprano air next to the bass. The treble clef is used for soprano, alto, and tenor parts, with both the alto and tenor parts being notated an octave above sounding pitch.
A figured instrumental bass is given throughout, with 'symphonies' (short instrumental introductions and interludes) scored for three instruments (the figured bassline plus two instruments of treble pitch). Where these symphonies occur on the same systems as the vocal parts, the first treble instrument part is generally printed on the soprano part, and the second treble instrument on the tenor part. The title page suggests the possibility of accompaniment either by keyboard or other instruments, describing the tunes as 'Adapted for the use of Parochial or Country Choirs and figured for the Organ, Piano Forte &c'.
List of works
| # | Pages | Description | Text |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | 1 | Psalm XI. New version. Verses 1. 2. 3. 4. | Since I have placed my trust in God |
| 2. | 2-3 | Psalm XIII. New ver: 1. 2. 3. 4. | How long wilt thou forget me, Lord? |
| 3. | 3-5 | Psalm XIX. N. V. ver: 1. 2. 3. 4. | The heav'ns declare thy glory, Lord |
| 4. | 5-7 | Psalm XXIII O. V. 1. 2. 3. 4. | My shepherd is the living Lord |
| 5. | 7-9 | Psalm XXVI. N. V. 1. 2. 5. 6. | Judge me, O Lord, for I the paths |
| 6. | 9-11 | Psalm XXXIII N. V. 1. 2. 3. 4. | Let all the just to God with joy |
| 7. | 11-12 | Psalm XLVI Dr. Watts. ver: 1. 2. 3. 4. | Let Sion in her King rejoice |
| 8. | 13-15 | Psalm XLVII. O.V. ver: 1. 2. 5. 6. | Ye people all with one accord |
| 9. | 16-17 | Psalm L. N. V. ver: 1. 2. 3. 4. | The Lord hath spoke: the mighty God |
| 10. | 17-18 | Psalm LXXXVI. N.V. ver: 1. 2. 3. 4. | To my complaint, O Lord my God |
| 11. | 18-20 | Psalm XCV. Dr. Watts. ver. 1. 2. 3. 4. | Sing to the Lord Jehovah's name |
| 12. | 21-28 | Psalm CL. N.V. | O praise the Lord in that blest place |
External links
- Hymn Tune Index details for source ClarTSPT1