Organ and Choir Tutorial - Psalm 124: “If the Lord himself had not been on our side”

Psalm 124 is sung here to two chants, one in D minor by Ivor Atkins, and another based on it but in D major, written by Ralph Allwood. The chants beautifully partner the words, in the first part expressing the drama in which the children of Israel imagine being swallowed up by the deep waters of the Red Sea. Because the Lord was on their side they avoided the cataclysm.
From verse five we move into the major key for Ralph Allwood’s exuberant variation on the chant, with “But praised by the Lord…”, in which section the Israelites give thanks for their deliverance.
Ralph Allwood rehearses Psalm 124 with the choir, helping them to bring out the meaning of the words, and to place emphasis in the best place. He discusses issues of organ registration with Mark Shepherd in this video, and Mark demonstrates the use of dramatic variations in registration that greatly enhance the performance of the psalm. They conclude with a full performance.
Read more and watch the video here: viscountorgans.net/psalm-124/
About this Organ Tutorial Series:
One of an organist’s most subtle and sensitive roles is in the accompaniment of psalms and church anthems. In such an accompanying role, one’s job is rarely to stand out as a performer but to create an underlying musical foundation on which the choir’s singing can build.
For this year’s offering, then, we present a series in which the renowned choir director Ralph Allwood teaches the Old Royal Naval College Trinity Laban Chapel Choir about psalm singing, with three lovely anthems thrown in to the bargain.
They’re accompanied ably by Mark Shepherd on the Viscount Regent 356 organ. You’ll hear Mark exercising all his artistic powers in support of the choir.
Crucially we don’t just show you a performance, but take you through the rehearsal process, during which Ralph explains the pieces, discusses word painting with the choir and organist, and leads everyone towards a good final performance.
For more information about this Organ Tutorial Series and more videos visit our website: viscountorgans.net/organ-tuto...

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10:19 Psalm 124 Starts