Thomas Ravenscroft's Psalter of 1621, from the time of James I and VI, is arguably the first, most comprehensive printed Christian Songbook in the English language, following as it does the more limited Este's Psalter of 1592. With a host of new tunes composed and arranged by Ravenscroft and a number of well-known others for 4 part singing, it uses the text of John Day's Whole Book of Psalms of 1562 (the 'Old Psalter', often referred to as 'Sternhold and Hopkins', after the two earlier poets who composed a large number of the metrical Psalms). This work also includes the hymns and spiritual songs used in the English, Welsh and Scottish churches from the Post Reformation period onwards. Psalm singing had a wide popularity during that time and occurred in schools, hospitals, colleges and universities, and also in other communal gatherings. Even the armies in the civil war marched to them.
This new edition of Ravenscroft has been faithfully reconstructed by Andrew Mulford in order that it can be sung today in churches and other ecclesiastical places, but is also suitable for general use. The original text has been conscientiously recreated with today's spelling to make it easier to read, and with footnotes to explain archaic usage and meaning where necessary. The simplicity of Ravenscroft's music will suit choirs of all standards as well as congregational use. The music has been edited into short score, as in standard hymn and song books, but with an added stave above for the tune, to be sung by the congregation, which also appears in the tenor. The editor has also included a helpful appendix of all Este's arrangements not used Ravenscroft. In addition, expanded parts for choir and recorder consort are available on application to the editor.