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Hi – you might have seen this already on facebook, but there is a band that is working on a project based on the Book of Psalms. We are starting some songwriting and some other elements of preproduction for their project. The one concern we have is which translation to use – the New Jerusalem Bible, the RSV, or whatever other official Catholic translation of the Bible that is available. I’m not trying to sound glib about this, but I know that there are probably some well read and well studied members of our community that would definitely have a good take on this. If you have any advice or comments about this, please share them. As I have said, we have started some preproduction (e.g. some preliminary writing of some musical ideas, experimenting with drums and digital sounds to make things sound more industrial metal, etc.) We are hoping to have all the songs written by the end of May and then use the summer to record a majority of this project. Again, thanks in advance for any advice from the community – it will be greatly appreciated!
Yours In Christ!
PRAY THE ROSARY EVERY DAY!!
Well, for poetic prose and rhythm, the NJB structured the Psalms as actual songs -which is how they were first written. I have found that the Psalms of this version (awa the original Jerusalem Bible) flow so much better as song lyrics than do the other versions -all of which I attempted to use in the past for songs. The musical compatibility of the Psalms was one of the editors “selling” points when these versions were first released. Anyway, there’s my two cents.
Hey Adam! Thanks for your two cents….I compared some different Catholic versions and I have to agree with you that the NJB has a bit of an edge on the other versions in terms of lyrical flow. Now I have to figure out how to stay as true to the words of the psalms as we create the songs based on them. It’s a lot harder than it would seem. Thanks again!!
Yours In Christ!
PRAY THE ROSARY EVERY DAY!!!
My pleasure, Bro! And, yes, it is quite challenging because the inspired Psalmist was not writing in 4/4 time.
If it were me, I’d nix the 4/4 time and use the Douay Rheims Bible. It is a highly accurate English translation taken directly from Jerome’s Vulgate. The lanuage is beautiful old english and it is probably the best translation since Jerome had knowledge of the original Biblical languages that is no longer available. Whichever version you use, God Bless your efforts.
Pax Domini,
Christopher Knight
Hi there. If I could add my two cents worth I think it all depends on what you are looking for as a result. (Poetry, understandability etc.)
For me the RSV (2nd Catholic edition) is beautifully written, the language flows beautifully and is of course car closer to the original than more modern translations are.
On the other hand though, for a translation that is more modern (and possibly then more understandable to more people the Revised Version of the NAB is also a great option.
These are the 2 translations I prefer. I hope that helps in some way.
Thanks and God bless
Gareth
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