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Psalm 6: paired minor and major chants

Copies of this pair of chants was kindly provided from the Gonville & Caius College Music Library. While the Cambridge University Library doesn't record a composition date, the Classified Handlist gives 1976.

We are publishing the original (F# minor & F# major for ATBrB) and a transposed version for SATB, raised a minor third.

The typeset PDF scores (including text with original pointing):

SATB version in A minor and A major.

ATBrB version in F# minor and F# major.

Peter Tranchell Psalm 6 Anglican Chant arranged for SATB

Peter Tranchell Psalm 6 Anglican Chant arranged for SATB

Because the pointing is unusual we have reproduced it below. Here's a small sample from original, in PAT's hand, showing the transition into the major key:

Peter Tranchell Psalm 6 pointing extract

Please also see our guidance on the use of this score.

MINOR CHANT

1    O Lord, rebúke me not in thine / indig- / nation :

          neither / chasten me · in / thy dis- / pleasure.

2    Have mercy upon me, O Lord, for I am weak. O / Lord_ / heal me,

          For my bones are vex'd;

3            My / soul also · is / sore_ / troubled.

      But Lord how long wilt thou punish me?

4            Turn thee O Lord and de- / liver · my / soul :

          O / save me / for thy / mercy's sake.

5    For in death / no man · re- / membereth thee :

          and whó will / give thee / thanks · in the / pit?

6    I am / weary · of my / groaning :

          Every night wash I my bed and / water · my / couch · with my / tears.

7    My beauty is / gone · for very / trouble :

          And worn away be- / cause of / all mine / enemies.

MAJOR CHANT

8    A- / way from me, all ye that work vanity, for the Lord hath heard

               the voice of · my / weeping :

9        The Lord hath heard my petition, the / Lord · will re- / ceive my / prayer.

10   All mine enemies shall be confounded and / sore_ / vext :

          They shall be / túrn'd báck / and put to · sháme / suddenly.

      Glory / be · to the / Father,

          And to the Son, / and · to the / Holy / Ghost :

      As it / was in · the be- / ginning,

          Is now, and ever shall be, / world with · out / end.  A- / men.