Singing the Psalms [Audiobook, Unabridged] [Audio Cassette]

Cynthia Bourgeault (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 1, 1998

Singing the Psalms Cynthia Bourgeault

Discover the prayerful system of ora et labora – prayer and work – established over 1,500 years ago by St. Benedict with this delightful course in chanting the psalms. Episcopal priest Cynthia Bourgeault teaches how this time-honored practice can awaken rich spiritual and psychological insights, whatever your level of vocal skill. Includes a mini-psalter (psalm book) with instructions, musical notations, and more.

Editorial Reviews

Book Description

The first book published in the New World was "The Bay Psalter", a book of psalms, specially metered so they could be sung. Here, Episcopal priest Cynthia Bourgeault, North America's preeminent expert on the history and practice of psalmody, shows how the psalms can actually awaken rich spiritual and psychological insights in seekers today.

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.

Product Details

• Audio Cassette
• Publisher: Sounds True, Incorporated (February 1, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1564555755
• ISBN-13: 978-1564555755
• Product Dimensions: 7 x 4.4 x 1.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.1 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,295,924 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

33 of 33 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I will never just "read" the psalms again, October 25, 2007

By 

S. (Conder, Australia) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Singing the Psalms (Audio CD)

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.

46 of 48 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent, and practical teaching methods offered for novice, October 14, 1998

By 

Edward H. Sheppley (Dubuque, Iowa USA) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Singing the Psalms (Audio Cassette)

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.

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Singing the Psalms, June 1, 2007

By 

John Wilcox - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Singing the Psalms (Audio CD)

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