JAMAICAN

FOLK PSALMS: CHORAL SETTINGS OF SELECTED PSALMS BASED ON

JAMAICAN FOLK MELODIES, RHYTHMS AND HARMONIES, SUITABLE FOR
JAMAICAN STUDENTS IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS, CHURCHES AND MUSIC FESTIVALS

CLARKE A.E.


0522 - EDUCATION, MUSIC


Degree: Ed.D.
DegreeYear: 1988
Institute: New York University

Inspired by the challenging comment from the Prime Minister of Jamaica, The Rt.
Honorable Edward Seaga, in which he invited creative Jamaican artists "to modify, to
adapt" the "raw" folk material of Jamaica and make it suitable for stage performance,
this project sought to make a novel presentation of selected Psalms set to melodies that
had their origins in Jamaican folk songs.

Before embarking on the composition itself, it was necessary to explore the history and
culture of Jamaica, and arrive at an understanding of the significant characteristics of
Jamaican folk music. This examination revealed the rich heritage of Jamaica, and the
culturally pluralistic society that had emerged over the last three centuries from a
fusion of African and European immigrants.

Seventy-five folk songs and over thirty Psalms were then studied, and nine Psalms were
ultimately selected to be used and matched with Jamaican folk songs. Criteria used in
making the final selections were based on these elements which were common to both
Psalm and folk song: (1) Antiphony, (2) Use of refrain, (3) Rhythmic flexibility, (4)
Similarity of Spirit, (5) Words and Music concurrence.

This project has been an exercise in cultural amalgamation, ethnic affirmation, and
creative adaptability. The settings are arranged for three voices with original
accompaniment for piano, guitar and drums, (various combinations of these). The
settings demonstrate characteristic elements of Jamaican folk music: (a) frequent use of
syncopation; (b) indigenous harmonic progressions (I, IV, V, I); (c) a variety of vocal
textures; (d) call and response patterns.

The music is of moderate difficulty, and is ideal for use in school.