Church Songs
The Lord is my Shepherd
This song is a musical setting of Psalm 22 from the Bible. The verses are in the style of Plainchant, also known as Plainsong or Gregorian Chant. Plaintchant is best understood as prayers sung by monks around the 5th Century where the rhythm is not divided into beats or bars nor are time signatures used. Instead the rhythm follows the natural speech rhythms of the words.
The Refrain (chorus or antiphon) is based on a traditional Irish melody.
The most important feature of the song is these 2 different styles combined. Don't mix them up!!!
Tempo - Slow
Metre - 3 in the refrain, but free in the verses.
Form - Refrain (A) Verses (B)
Mood - Reverent or Holy
Lyrics
The Lord’s my Shepherd, there is nothing I shall want;
The Lord is my Shepherd there is nothing I shall want
Fresh and green are the pastures
where he gives me repose
The Lord’s my Shepherd, there is nothing I shall want;
The Lord is my Shepherd there is nothing I shall want
Fresh and green are the pastures
where he gives me repose
Choice song
Joyful Joyful. Gospel song. Tempo starts slow and then fast. 4/4. Syncopation. Composed by Marc Shaiman. Choir and soloists. 1992.