Psalm 23

download pdf. of Psalm 23

download mp3. demo of Psalm 23 (w/Cantor 2.1 synthesized voice) Cantor 2.1 is a vocal, singing emulation program (Cantor 2.1, VirSyn Software Synthesizer Bruchsaler Weg 4 76327 Pfinztal, Germany) that enables a composer to approximate the human voice without the aid of a live choir or soloist. The Hebrew vocals in this format are a bit rough, but are more than adequate to provide a general sense of what the works sound like until such time as a group of singers can be assembled and recorded.

If you were to pick one chapter of the Bible that is taught, memorized and recited more often by people of the Jewish and Christian faiths it would have to be the twenty-third Psalm. It is a love song. It is a song of hope. It is a intimate song expressing so well the trust David held for Yahveh. Unlike the previous example of Psalm 96, which was most likely sung by a vocal ensemble accompanied with lyres and harps, the 'feel' of Psalm 23 is that of a solo composition, accompanied by a single lyre playing the chords.
     Unlike our previous examples, the verses of Psalm 23 are not grouped in any discernible pattern, but flow beautifully from one verse to the next, the melody of each verse complimenting the lyrical content expressed. All that being said, the melodic content of the verses however could be shown as:

introduction

[A] verse 1

[B] verse 2

[C] bridge

[D] verse 3

[E] tag

     Yes, this song has an introduction. In the one-hundred and fifty Psalm manuscripts of the Hebrew texts, one-hundred and sixteen have what are called superscriptions. These superscriptions, which depending on the translation of the Bible you are using, may or may not be listed as a verse, contain information that relates to the song that follows. Most of this information is technical and not theological by nature and includes among other things: the author, instrumentation, style, tempo, song title, sub-titles, etc. In contemporary sheet music, this type of information is included in the header of the music. In the Hebrew texts, this information is also included as part of the melody of the main song.
     The superscription of Psalm 23 contains three pieces of information: who wrote the song (a melody of David), the title (Yahveh is my shepherd) and a sub-title (I shall not want). How do we know this? Using the te'amim as the source for the melody, we can hear that this information 'sets-up' and introduces melodically, harmonically and lyrically the main song itself. Even though the superscription is an integral part of the work and should be included as such, the remaining verses can standalone, without the introduction as a complete composition both melodically and lyrically.
     Even through the primary mode for this song is the ahava rabboh mode, as in Psalm 96, David introduces different modes and melodies to create emotion and variation as the song progresses. It is also another text book example of a well written song both melodically and lyrically. Hearing this song and the others of the Psalm manuscripts for the first is always an extraordinary experience for me. Hearing not only the lyrics, but also being able to play melodies that were written so many years ago gives a totally new appreciation and understanding of these works. To me, it is nothing short of a miracle to be able to hear, sing, and arrange the words and melodies of these ancient composers and musicians.

one of the melodies of David.

Yahveh is my Shepherd
(I shall not want)

Verse 1

In grassy meadows I lie down, over calm waters He leads me.

Verse 2

He restores my soul, He guides me in paths of righteousness for His Name's sake.

Bridge

Even though I walk through a valley of darkness, I will not fear evil for You are with me,
Your rod and your staff they comfort me.

Verse 3

You prepare a table for me in the sight of my enemies,
You anoint my head with oil, my cup overflows.

tag

Surely goodness and kindness will pursue me everyday of my life,
and I will return* to the house of Yahveh for all days.

* contrary to modern English translations, the Hebrew word vë-shäv-te does not mean and to dwell but implies more closely to the phrase and to return. This is in keeping the context of the Scriptures because David never lived in the house of Yahveh (the Tabernacle). He no doubt went there and was supposed to (not being a Levite) not even enter the Holy or the Most Holy compartments of the Tabernacle.

Psalm Transcriptions