Michael Joncas's new Simple Psalter is an attempt to synthesize elements of previous styles of psalm-singing into a new pattern of engaging these sacred texts. Using the new Abbey Psalms and Canticles, Joncas sets every responsorial psalm in the three-year Lectionary in settings that work equally well a cappella or with keyboard accompaniment. The antiphon for each setting may be sung in unison or enhanced with optional voice or instrument parts, and the verses are set to a Gelineau-inspired "pulsed" psalm tone, notated in proposed speech-rhythm. Additionally, the tones of the Simple Psalter attempt to respect form-critical studies of psalms, assigning them to particular categories (e.g., different tones for hymns of praise, songs of thanksgiving, communal laments, etc.). The Simple Psalter is divided into four volumes: one for solemnities, feasts, and other celebrations, and one each for years A, B and C.
