Although first associated with Psalm 134 in the Genevan Psalter — a collection of metrical psalms created under the supervision of John Calvin for use by Reformed churches in the 16th century — the “Old Hundredth” tune received its name from its association with a metrical setting of Psalm 100 by William Kethe (d. 1594), published in the Anglo-Genevan Psalter (1591). Kethe’s first stanza, based on Psalm 100, verses 1-2, reads:
All people that on earth do dwell,
Sing to the Lord with cheerful voice.
Him serve with fear, His praise forth tell;
Come ye before Him and rejoice.
Thus, the “Old Hundredth” is popularly titled, “All People That on Earth Do Dwell.” It is also well-known as the tune for the doxology, “Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow.” The tune is attributed to the French music theorist and composer Louis Bourgeois (c. 1510-1559), who contributed a number of tunes to the Genevan Psalter.
An ideal selection for any celebratory occasion, this festival accompaniment to the “Old 100th” begins with a brass fanfare and statement of the tune, leading into:
Verse 1: organ accompaniment (harmonization L. Bourgeois)
Verse 2: brass accompaniment (harmonization John Dowland)
Verse 3: organ accompaniment (harm. Bourgeois)
Verse 4: organ accompaniment (harm. Bourgeois) with trumpet countermelody
Interlude/modulation
Verse 5: organ accompaniment (alternate harmonization) with brass fanfares
“Amen” ending
Full score, parts for organ, Bb tpt. 1, Bb tpt. 2, F horn, tbn, tuba, and reproducible bulletin insert for voices (8.5×11″ PDF) — $25