Psalm 137 – Cello Solo

Description

The tune for Psalm 137 is attributed as a traditional Jewish tune. The tune is found in a book of canons and rounds by British composer Philip Hayes in 1878 called, The Muses Delight. American artist Don McLean arranged and recorded it on his album American Pie under the title “Babylon. Isaac Wardell adapted the text of Isaiah 53 titled,  By His Wounds and set it to this tune. This arrangement is also based on Philip Hayes original tune from The Muses Delight.

The cello part for Psalm 137 has sixteenth note arpeggiated passages and some 4 note rolled chords that provide a challenge. Because of the mournfulness of the tune, players have an opportunity to develop bow control as well as shaping the long phrases.