THE IONIAN PSALTER - A Brief History

Peter Hallock began composing The Ionian Psalter in the fall of 1981. The psalms were first published over the period 1986 to 1989, with Carl Crosier as editor and engraver. Psalm Settings were provided for the three-year lectionary cycles of the Book of Common Prayer 1976 and the Lutheran Book of Worship 1978. Both of these worship resources used the same psalter text (BCP). Additional settings were added in 1995 when the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America adopted a form of the Revised Common Lectionary. This psalter has been very widely used since its first publication. We are happy to now make it available in electronic form so that its riches can continue to be enjoyed.

The CD contains the complete Ionian Psalter compositions, including those written for special services and occasions.

THE FUNCTION OF THE IONIAN PSALTER

The Ionian Psalter is a collection of gradual psalms to be sung following the first reading (most often from the Old Testament) in the Eucharistic liturgy. They function as a musical response to that reading and provide a refrain (antiphon), which is to be sung by the entire assembly, and choral verses which serve to illuminate the meaning of the text. The psalm settings rarely use more than four pairs of verses with antiphons inserted between each pair. Although intended for the Eucharistic liturgy, it is also possible to use these psalms for sung services of Morning Prayer, Evening Prayer and Compline. If a Gloria Patri is required for such use, the purchaser is encouraged to use a generic chant style one or to adapt the formula of the choral verses to that text. Gloria Patri has been provided for some of the canticles included in The Ionian Psalter.

ADAPTING THE IONIAN PSALTER FOR YOUR USE

Since these psalms were originally composed, there have been numerous changes made to "official" lectionaries and translations to the psalter. With some frustration, we have decided not to provide for these many options. Thus you will not find lectionary designations on any of this material. Purchasers are encouraged to adapt the particular psalm selections to their situation. Several different settings of the same psalm may appear here. Select the one which you deem most appropriate for that Sunday or Feast Day. Many churches have adopted a more gender-inclusive translation of the psalms. The purchaser is granted permission to adapt The Ionian Psalter settings accordingly.