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This setting of Psalm 148 was written and submitted by Armenian American composer Tatev Amiryan. It represents a musical interpretation of Psalm 148, “Praise the LORD.”
Psalm 148
How does this psalm piece interpret the psalm?
The piece is a musical interpretation of Psalm 148, “Praise the LORD.” In this piece, the text plays a structurally essential role in the musical form. With its ascetic, restrained character and strictly metrical setting the vocal part resembles Armenian monophonic chants used in the Divine Liturgy of the Armenian Apostolic Church. The syllabic and somewhat recitational text setting is designed to emphasize the text and highlight its meaning. The theme in the vocal part is based on a scale of diminished 4ths, typical to Armenian sacred music modes, and it incorporates a decoration style similar to vocal melodies of Armenian sacred music. The composer approached the text as a universal address to all humankind, regardless of race and nationality, and that is what she aimed to highlight in her piece through a musical language coming from different Christian traditions.
As a universal praise addressed to both heavenly and earthly beings, “Praise the LORD” conveys a powerful and unifying message and is fitting at the beginning of worship as well as for other occasions.
Text and Music: Psalm 148; Tatev Amiryan, © Tatev Amiryan
Used by permission.
Contact: Tatev Amiryan, musicofarmenia.com/tatevamiryan
Psalm Talk by Amanda Benckhuysen, recorded at the 2026 Psalms 150 conference, with a visual prayer and embodied response from Dea Jenkins.
A Psalm Talk by Terry M. Wildman and Darlene Wildman on the creation of the First Nations Version of the Bible, with a visual prayer and embodied response led by Dea Jenkins.
An interview with award-winning artist and celebrated painter Joel Schoon-Tanis on the process and creation of his painting "Psalm 1: Growing Trees" at Psalms 150: A Conference Experience.
Psalm Talk by Amanda Benckhuysen, recorded at the 2026 Psalms 150 conference, with a visual prayer and embodied response from Dea Jenkins.
A Psalm Talk by Terry M. Wildman and Darlene Wildman on the creation of the First Nations Version of the Bible, with a visual prayer and embodied response led by Dea Jenkins.
An interview with award-winning artist and celebrated painter Joel Schoon-Tanis on the process and creation of his painting "Psalm 1: Growing Trees" at Psalms 150: A Conference Experience.
This chapel worship service was led by Wendell Kimbrough at Calvin University as part of the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship’s “Dwelling in the Psalms” year.
