Best translation to sing the Psalms

ByTheSpirit

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So I'm rather curious about something. I know the Psalms are not entirely made up of songs that would be sung, some are prayers and such. But I'm starting this process of writing music for them and I'm curious what translation you think would be best (or easiest) to sing them from?

I'd imagine something similar to the KJV would do for fluidity and such, but just curious.
 

PloverWing

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I very much like the translation of the Psalms that's in the 1979 Book of Common Prayer used by the Episcopal Church in the US. The translators had in mind that the Psalms would be read aloud or sung in church by the congregation during worship (that's how our church uses the Psalms), so the language flows well when read aloud. An online version of the book is here: The Online Book of Common Prayer (follow the link that says "The Psalter").
 
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ByTheSpirit

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I very much like the translation of the Psalms that's in the 1979 Book of Common Prayer used by the Episcopal Church in the US. The translators had in mind that the Psalms would be read aloud or sung in church by the congregation during worship (that's how our church uses the Psalms), so the language flows well when read aloud. An online version of the book is here: The Online Book of Common Prayer (follow the link that says "The Psalter").
Very nice, thank you!
 
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PsaltiChrysostom

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Adding. KJV is probably one of the better translations to use for singing. This is the Te Deum Laudamus, Thee O God We Praise


O God, we praise you; O Lord, we acclaim you.
Eternal Father, all the earth reveres you.
All the angels, the heavens and the Pow'rs of heaven,
Cherubim and Seraphim cry out to you in endless praise:
Holy, Holy, Holy Lord God of hosts,
heaven and earth are filled with the majesty of your glory.
The glorious choir of Apostles sings to you,
the noble company of prophets praises you,
the white-robed army of martyrs glorifies you,
Holy Church throughout the earth proclaims you,
Father of boundless majesty,
with your true and only Son, worthy of adoration,
and the Holy Spirit, Paraclete.
You, O Christ, are the King of glory,
you are the Father's everlasting Son;
when you resolved to save the human race,
you did not spurn the Virgin's womb;
you overcame the sting of death
and opened wide the Kingdom of Heaven
to those who put their faith in you.
You are seated at the right hand of God
in the glory of the Father.
We believe you are the Judge who is to come.
And so we beg you, help your servants,
redeemed by your most precious blood.
Number them among your saints in eternal glory.
[added later, mainly from Psalm verses:]
Save your people, Lord, and bless your inheritance.
Shepherd them and raise them to eternal life.
Day by day, we bless you
and praise your name for endless ages evermore.
Be gracious, Lord, on this day,
and keep us from all sin.
Have mercy on us, O Lord, have mercy.
May your mercy be upon us, Lord,
as we place our trust in you.
In you, O Lord, I rest my hope:
let me never be put to shame.
 
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throughfiierytrial

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So I'm rather curious about something. I know the Psalms are not entirely made up of songs that would be sung, some are prayers and such. But I'm starting this process of writing music for them and I'm curious what translation you think would be best (or easiest) to sing them from?

I'd imagine something similar to the KJV would do for fluidity and such, but just curious.
NIV 1984 or EHV
 
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eleos1954

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So I'm rather curious about something. I know the Psalms are not entirely made up of songs that would be sung, some are prayers and such. But I'm starting this process of writing music for them and I'm curious what translation you think would be best (or easiest) to sing them from?

I'd imagine something similar to the KJV would do for fluidity and such, but just curious.
The KJV is written more so in poetic structure *not all of it) .... so would seem to be the best logical choice.

The poetic books of the Old Testament—Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and the Song of Solomon
 
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ViaCrucis

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While I don't use the KJV personally, I do agree that its language is beautiful, and that especially includes the Psalms I think. I still love the way the KJV renders Psalm 23, and in my mind is the way I still remember it.

I love my current church, but something I miss from previous Lutheran congregations I've been part of is the chanting/singing of the Liturgy, including the Psalm readings.

Not Lutheran, and not responsorial, but still gets the point across:

-CryptoLutheran
 
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