Book of Praise

The Canadian Reformed Churches

The Book of Praise is a publication of the Canadian Reformed Churches, a federation of more than sixty churches, most of which are in Canada and a few in the United States. Our churches are rooted in the Great Reformation of the sixteenth century. Our aim is to exalt the Triune God by faithfully proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ.

• Visit the Official Website of the Canadian Reformed Churches.

Harmonizations by Mr. Dennis Teitsma

The late Mr. Dennis Teitsma (1932-2018) of Winnipeg, Manitoba prepared harmonizations (including short preludes & postludes) for the 150 Psalms and 85 Hymns in the Book of Praise. The arrangements were composed specifically as instrumental accompaniment for unison congregational singing. He very generously made these available free of charge by way of this website. Use the links to download the corresponding PDF document below. Professionally printed copies of a spiral-bound book of all 150 Psalms and 85 Hymns with laminated covers are available for the cost of printing ($12) plus shipping. These can be obtained by contacting Mrs. Joanne Teitsma.

• 150 Psalms - Dennis Teitsma (2nd edition).
• 85 Hymns - Dennis Teitsma (2nd edition).
• Cover files (for those who wish to print their own copy).

Other Recommended Harmonizations for the Genevan Tunes

• Dick Sanderman, Genevan Psalms Chorale Book (Langley: Church Music Projects, 2011; ISBN 978-1-77084-074-4)
• Tim Nijenhuis, Genevan Melodies for Piano (piano arrangements of all 150 Psalms with preludes, interludes and coda's)
• Claude Goudimel, The Genevan Psalms, Revised Mazmur Edition, edited and adapted by Harry van Dop, 2009, CD included.
• Heft de lofzang aan: romantisch orgelboek by de psalmen (Con Passione, muziekuitgeverij, 2020).
• Cor van Dijk, Voor de Opperzangmeester: 150 Psalmen in twee toonsoorten (Rijssen: Cantique-muziekuitgeverij, 2009; ISBN 978-90-813709-1-2).
• Nico de Mes, 150 Psalmen bewerkt voor orgel (10 volumes available from Opus 10).
• Gerrit Jan van de Werfhorst, Tot Zijn Eer (Book of 150 Psalms available from Opus 10).
• Claude Goudimel, The Genevan Psalms in Harmony (Neerlandia: Inheritance Publications, 2006; ISBN 1-894666-66-6).
• Willem Hendrik Zwart, Psalmen: Voorspelen en koralen voor 150 Psalmen en Enige Gezangen voltooid en geredigeerd door Everhard Zwart (Heerenveen: Jongbloed, 1998; ISBN 90-5030-864-3).
• Leen Schippers, U alleen, U loven wij. Koraalboek over de 150 Psalmen (Putten: De Bazuin, 2003 ISBN 90-6505-064-7).

Indexes (Microsoft Word documents)

• Alphabetical Index of Tunes
• Chronological Index of Tunes
• Index of Authors, Translators, and Sources
• Index of Composers and Sources of Tunes
• Metrical Index of Tunes

Other Online Resources

• www.genevantunes.com
  This website by Mr. Tim Nijenhuis of Blessings Christian Church in Hamilton is dedicated to the promotion of singing from the word of God through the Psalms, and provides access to sheet music for voice, piano and guitar for all 150 Psalms and the 85 Hymns.
• www.christiaannobels.com
  Various Psalm and Hymn arrangements for organ including a series of short preludes for each of Genevan melodies for the 150 Psalms, all composed by the late Mr. Christiaan Nobels of Brampton, Ontario. These arrangements are available free of charge.
• www.frankezinga.com
  Accompaniment book for the 85 Hymns of the Book of Praise arranged by Mr. Frank Ezinga of Langley Canadian Reformed Church.
• www.churchmusic.ca
  Another website by Mr. Frank Ezinga providing information about the tunes of the Genevan Psalter, as well as articles highlighting the aspect of music in the church in a broader, biblical context.
• www.genevanpsalter.com
  This website, created by Mr. Michael Owens, is intended as a center for resources and information relating to the Genevan Psalter, including any and all articles, sheet music, recordings, books, websites and metrical translations based on it.
• Psalms and Hymns of the Book of Praise for Memory Work
  Mrs. Jane Oosterhoff has recorded many/most the Psalms and Hymns of the Book of Praise to assist parents, students, and teachers in learning their school memory work.
• www.jslagt.nl
  Short preludes and SATB chorale settings for all 150 Psalms (and more) by Mr. Jan Slagt.
• www.wimbomhof.nl
  Among other chorale variations and broader works, free downloadable variations on nearly all 150 Psalms by Mr. Wim Bomhof.
• www.gerritveldman.nl
  Among other chorale arrangements and broader works, free downloadable chorale settings for all 150 Psalms by Mr. Gerrit Veldman.
• www.psalmboek.nl
• Clarion Volume 61 No. 13 - June 22, 2012
  A special issue of Clarion commemorating the 450th anniversary of the Genevan Psalter