Dan Forrest's three settings of "Hallelujah Psalms" (for SATB choir and piano) range from invigorating to deeply touching to dancing for joy! Each movement begins and ends with the statement "Hallelu Yah", just as the three Psalms do. Optional percussion (inspired by the text of Psalm 150 and the scriptural account the psalmist Asaph playing the cymbals; 1-2 players) adds an additional layer of sparkling energy. May be performed as a set or as individual movements, suitable for worship or concert settings.

Composer Note:

"My inspiration for the three movements of Hallelu Yah: Three Psalms of Praise came from seeing the common word "hallelujah" transliterated more clearly as two words: "hallelu Yah", i.e. "praise YHWH"; these two words are an imperative (praise!) and the object of that praise (Yah, or Yahweh, the Hebrew word for God ). This opened up possibilities both in communicated meanings as well as speech accents.

I was also inspired to add percussion to the choir and piano, partly from reading I Chronicles that Asaph, the ancient Hebrew worship leader and author of many Psalms, played the cymbals, and partly because Psalm 150 lists as much or more percussion than any other instrument family.

The last five Psalms all begin and end with this phrase, "Hallelu Yah," and thus my settings of these three do the same."

COMPANION PRODUCTS

• Hallelu Yah: Three Psalms of Praise II. Psalm 147 - percussion - digital download
• Hallelu Yah: Three Psalms of Praise II. Psalm 147 - percussion

OTHER MOVEMENTS (CHORAL SCORES)

• Hallelu Yah: Three Psalms of Praise I. Psalm 148  Digital Download  |  Printed Product
• Hallelu Yah: Three Psalms of Praise II. Psalm 147  Digital Download  |  Printed Product
• Hallelu Yah: Three Psalms of Praise III. Psalm 150  Digital Download  |  Printed Product