Marking 375 years since the first publication of the Scottish Metrical Psalter, tonight was an opportunity to celebrate its continuing contribution to the liturgical life of sacred music today.
David Ferguson (Dean of the Chapel Royal in Scotland) gave an informative introduction to the recital. When compiled, the overarching idea behind the Psalter was to encourage full participant involvement – the congregation taking part – including to the extent of joining in the four-part harmonies. And so we can also trace back to here the origins of some of our most memorable tunes, for it was vital to ensure that they could be easily remembered.
A principal driver was therefore composing melodies that could easily be committed to memory. Psalms 23 and 150 are good examples – which we still rehearse regularly nowadays. These were pieces of worship to be sung at home and in the fields, at marriages and deaths – the metrical psalms were intended to be familiarised.
Tonight’s selection of music opened-up this foundational idea into a broader inclusivity of the influence of psalmody, and its widening and enduring impact. Of particular note, were three new compositions from the winners of last year’s Young Composers Competition. It was not only the compositions, but also the breathtaking and exceptional quality with which the choir sang the works that made these renditions remarkable.
We also heard a substantial new work from Christ Hutchings – a fresh setting of Psalm 24. ‘Lift up your heads’ required eight parts, but the resulting sound left you stunned into silence. It unashamedly combined the full-choir and organ, though peppered with meaningful moments where the voices shone beautifully and unaccompanied.
The title of the performance may have belied its content, but this was without doubt a highly impressive programme – a real joy to hear some freshly composed works, and to behold the inspiring great talent of the young musicians who wrote them.
The recital finished at 8.30pm.
The Scottish Metrical Psalter, Wednesday 13th August 2025, Church of the Sacred Heart