Psalms by Claude Goudimel
Why do some of the songs recently sound a little different from how we usually sing them?
What is happening is that the musicians have been skipping certain rests in Psalm tunes written by the composer Claude Goudimel (e.g. Cantus Christi p.4, 8, 42, 100, etc.).
Why are we skipping these rests in Goudimel’s tunes?
There are several different editions or versions of Goudimel’s tunes and some experts have suggested that removing certain rests makes the music more singable and provides a more logical flow to the text. I confess that I was skeptical at first, but having tried this concept on my own for several months I really fell in love with the changes.
How do I know which rests we will sing and which we will skip?
It may be confusing which rests stay and which ones go but there usually is a regular pattern that follows the phrases of the music (e.g. every-other rest is skipped). I recommend listening closely for the organ introduction for any Goudimel songs and I will be sure that it is played the whole way through and in the “new” rhythm.
Are there other ways I can practice these songs?
We will review this concept and work on certain songs at our Psalm Sings, Men’s Meetings, choir rehearsals, and other functions. Recent Psalm Sings and Men’s Meetings have been cancelled so I realize that practicing this has been difficult. Our next Psalm Sing is coming up on February 12 and we will definitely review some Goudimel tunes then.
In conclusion, I apologize if the transition to these new rhythms has felt like a bit of a lurch, but I am convinced that you will find these Psalms to be even more singable once we get used to the changes. Fortunately, I know you to be a very quick-learning congregation and I believe that you will adapt in no time at all.
Thank you for your patience!
Jordan Doolittle