This collection of chants was first published in 1981. A small committee carefully thought out the material for this book, and while the choice of chants inevitably reflects something of a personal preference, the intention was to integrate the familiar with the not so familiar, while placing an emphasis on including contemporary examples.
Where needed, transpositions have been made to avoid unduly high reciting notes and generally keys of more than four sharps and flats. As a general principle, passing notes have been omitted except where the architecture of a familiar chant would otherwise have been at risk. The overall intention has been to ensure that the music in no way hinders the flow of the words.
Apart from one or two instances, no attempt has been made to link a specific chant with a certain psalm. As chants are not wedded to psalms in the same way as hymn tunes are to certain words, we felt the time had come to give a free choice in the matter. In any event, many of the psalms are not sung nowadays, even in cathedrals.
Choirs who use any pointed psalter, with or without chants, will find this book of value.