150 Songs: The Australian Psalms Composition Project

Is 150 Songs affiliated with a particular religion/ministry/church group?

No, absolutely not. One of the aims of The Australian Psalms Project is to illustrate the many and varied musical and ethnic communities in Australia, through the commonly used and set medium of the Book of Psalms. We're looking for contributions from atheist or non-affiliated as much as religious composers, as well as from religious communities with a unique cultural perspective on the Psalms, rather than a professional background in composition.

Who can compose for 150 Songs? Why keep it to Australia?

Any Australian, whether living in Australia or overseas, as well as any non-Australian currently resident in Australia can submit a composition. Submissions from non-Australians now living abroad who have spent significant time in Australia may also be considered.

The project aims to produce a volume of all the psalms settings for publication, in effect creating an Australian Psalter (but without the specifically Christian overtones that name implies!), highlighting a range of its composers, and illustrating its varied ethnic and musical traditions.

Why do you want a mix of languages and styles?

For several reasons. The Psalms have an incredibly rich history, both musical and cultural, spanning a major part of the globe, and we would like the final volume to reflect this in its wide range of languages and musical styles. The Psalms, in their various and numerous translations, are a testament to the history of language and early music, and for this reason we encourage those interesting in setting a psalm to consider using one of the older texts, such as the Wycliffe Bible, or the other medieval and Renaissance translations.

This rich cultural and historical tradition continues to develop into the present, and because of this we think that the Psalms are a uniquely revealing medium through which to present the musical and spiritual diversity of modern Australia.

What psalm should I set?

Whichever you like; whichever is available. Consult the list of Psalms under Set a Psalm to find ones which aren't spoken for. We have approached some Australian composers and musical communities directly to compose settings, and so some psalms will already be taken. We will mark each psalm off as having been reserved in this way, those with expressions of interest, and those for which we have already received submissions.

While we will accept multiple submissions for single psalms (although not for the ones we specifically offer to individual composers or communities), we strongly encourage you to look at the psalms which have not been taken in some way. The less familiar texts are amongst the most beautiful, and offer a rare opportunity to contribute to an elite musical and textual tradition. Plus, it we feel that it would be an advantage to compose a setting without the weight of so much historical and musical tradition!

How much of the psalm do I have to set? May I select a few verses?

You must set all the verses, with the optional exception of the traditional headings/taglines at the top of some psalms (ie: 'A Psalm of David'). We specifically do NOT want settings which choose selected verses only.

What Bible text version should I use? in what language? can I paraphrase?

You may translate the Psalm you wish to set into the language of your choice, but in this case you must make sure to use the entire text, like that found in our version. No, we do not want paraphrase. Please discuss translation and rewriting existing editions with us.

It is important you follow the Hebrew/Masoretic tradition of psalm numbering as found in our version, to avoid duplication of texts. If this creates problems with the Psalm/Bible translation you have chosen, please contact us to discuss a suitable course of action.

Submissions must include the complete text of the psalm chosen, with the only possible omission being the traditional opening tag (ex: 'A Psalm of David'); it is perfectly ok to include this tagline also.

Given these constraints, you may use whatever version of the Bible you like, in whatever language you like. See our Explore Psalms page for links to some online editions.

What style/genre should I compose in? What instruments may I compose for?

We would like to be able to say that all styles would be welcomed; however, there are some significant restrictions which limit this. The project is intended to create (amongst other things) a complete volume of psalm settings, a kind of Australian Psalter; as such, we are specifically looking for settings which offer a musical life, the possibility for re-interpretation beyond a recorded performance submitted for consideration.

This means that we're not terribly interested in submissions which, aside from a recording, would consist of a chord progression chart – with the actual substance the product of the performers on the day. While a vocal line with chord progression accompaniment could be considered, it would have to be striking to compete with more sophisticated entries. It is important that the setting be not only re-performable by musicians other than its composer/s, but that it be open to re-interpretation. This could restrict the suitability of some electronic, newer-genre music.

Can one composer set more than one psalm?

Yes, after discussion, and within limits; ideally we would like one psalm per composer. There are small groupings of psalms which are traditionally linked together by certain faiths and cultures, and it might be possible for a composer to set all or a part of one of these groupings. We encourage any potential contributor to explore any links they consider fruitful between a pair or small number of psalms.

Will all compositions be accepted?

No. The Project reserves the right to choose only those compositions which it feels are suitable. We want to be transparent about this from the outset: this project is not democratic or based on a level playing field; we have actively sought contributions from both well-known and amateur Australian composers and cultural communities. Some psalms (undetermined as yet) will therefore not be available to be set, and we may also receive multiple submissions for the same psalm, but only one setting for each psalm will remain in the final volume.

The Project reserves the right to select which setting for each psalm makes the final cut. It should be stressed, however, that there are 150 texts to be set! We feel that there should be enough to go around.

Can I just submit a recording?

The project aims to eventually produce a recording of the entire volume of settings; a recording which would obviously be done in gradual stages, and over a longer time-period, and which might include field recordings. Initially, we intend to publish the compositions alone as a volume.

In keeping with this, you will need to be able to submit your setting in some sort of notation. If this is completely impossible, you may, after discussion with us, submit a recording, but you will need to be willing for us to find a suitable way of notating your piece, should it be accepted into the collection.

Do you intend to publish the compositions? When? Can I get a copy?

We intend to publish a volume of the collected settings including one and one only for each Psalm. We anticipate that this will take some time, and will be in regular contact with the composers whose settings are selected throughout the period of the project. All selected contributors will receive a copy of this volume. The volume will be available for purchase by the general public via this website. We will publish details and information on the production of the volume on this page as it becomes available.

Do you intend to record the compositions? When? Can I get a copy?

We likewise intend to record all of the psalm settings in the final volume to make a multi-CD set. This will not happen until the volume has been finalised, and even then will be done in stages, over a period of several months or years.

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