Psalm 150 op. 67

for two part children's voices and instruments Scoring: Treble instr 1, Treble instr II, bass instr, 2 perc (timps, sd or tamb, cymb, susp cym, trng, tamb or castanets), keyboard. Optional parts, transposed if necessary, for 2 cl- tpt, hn, trbn - va Text: Psalm 150 in English Publisher: Boosey & Hawkes Difficulty level: 1-2 This setting of the great psalm of praise which concludes the Psalter is typical of Britten's compositions for schools. It wascomposed for the centenary of Britten's own prep school - Old Buckenham Hall School (called South Lodge School when he was there) - which he attended between 1923 and '28. As can be seen from the scoring details above it isintended that as many children as possible can be involved in the performance by playing a variety of instruments which are not specifically detailed. So, there are two 'treble instrument' parts which might be anything from arecorder to a violin or flute and a 'bass instrument' which might be a 'cello or a bassoon - and so on. The voice parts divide into four (a canon at 'let everything that hath breath praise the Lord') but are basically in two partsand there is a great deal of unison singing. As one might expect, Britten makes full use of the different forms of praise 28described in the verses of the psalm to colour his composition. The delightful, dancing 7/8 rhythm of'Praise him with the sound of the trumpet' makes an irresistible, light-hearted and toe-tapping section before the culminatory 'Let everything that hath breath praise the Lord'. A Gloria gives the work a suitably climactic ending.This is another brilliant, flexible and involving work for children. At only six minutes duration it can form a magical item in a school concert without the additional challenges of scenery/choreography which some of his otherworks for young people can involve. Duration: 6 minutes Paul Spicer, Lichfield, 2011