Metric Psalm

Definition

A metric psalm is a type of psalm setting that has been adapted into a metrical form, allowing it to be sung in congregational worship. This adaptation typically involves rephrasing the original text into a rhythmic and rhymed structure, making it suitable for musical settings. Metric psalms became particularly significant during the Reformation as they enabled congregations to actively participate in singing biblical texts, which was a shift from the more exclusive use of unmetrical chant by trained choirs.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The creation of metric psalms was greatly influenced by the Protestant Reformation, particularly by figures like John Calvin, who promoted congregational singing.
2. Unlike traditional psalm settings that used plainchant, metric psalms allowed for a variety of musical styles and were often set to familiar tunes to encourage participation.
3. Metric psalms often followed specific poetic structures, such as iambic meter, which facilitated easier singing and memorization for congregants.
4. The use of metric psalms helped to democratize worship practices, making scripture accessible to laypeople rather than just clergy or trained singers.
5. Many metric psalms have been included in modern hymnals, reflecting their enduring influence on Christian worship and music.

Review Questions

• How did the development of metric psalms reflect the changes in worship practices during the Reformation?
  • The development of metric psalms during the Reformation marked a significant shift in worship practices by promoting congregational participation in singing. Figures like John Calvin advocated for congregational singing as a means to engage believers directly with scripture. This change led to the creation of metrical adaptations of psalms that were accessible to all, contrasting with previous practices that relied heavily on trained choirs using unmetrical chant.
• In what ways do metric psalms differ from traditional psalm settings, and what impact did this have on church music?
  • Metric psalms differ from traditional psalm settings primarily in their rhythmic and rhymed structure, which makes them suitable for congregational singing. Unlike plainchant, which was more formal and exclusive to trained choirs, metric psalms allowed churchgoers to actively participate in worship. This inclusivity had a profound impact on church music by encouraging the use of various melodies and fostering a sense of community among worshippers.
• Evaluate the significance of metric psalms in shaping modern Christian worship and their continued relevance today.
  • Metric psalms have played a crucial role in shaping modern Christian worship by providing a framework for congregational singing that emphasizes accessibility and participation. Their continued relevance can be seen in contemporary hymnals that include metrical adaptations of scripture, allowing churches to engage with biblical texts through song. The legacy of metric psalms reflects a broader movement towards inclusivity in worship practices, ensuring that all believers can partake in communal expressions of faith through music.

Related terms

Psalter: A collection of psalms, often used in liturgical contexts, which can include both metrical and unmetrical settings for singing.

Paraphrase: A restatement of a text or passage, often with an emphasis on clarity and accessibility, that may be used in creating metric psalms.

Liturgy: A structured form of public worship that often includes the singing of psalms and hymns, highlighting the role of metric psalms in communal religious practice.