David R. Erb

A psalm is a sacred song or hymn whose lyrics come from the biblical Book of Psalms (the Psalter), part of the Hebrew Bible (Tanakh, Ketuvim) and the Christian Old Testament. Across Jewish and Christian traditions, psalms have been sung, chanted, or set polyphonically for over two millennia, ranging from ancient Temple cantillation and synagogue modes to Gregorian psalm tones, Anglican chant, metrical congregational psalmody, and modern concert works. Because the Psalter contains laments, thanksgivings, royal hymns, and songs of praise, psalm music spans a wide expressive range—from contemplative and penitential to triumphant and ceremonial.