Third Psalm Tune

Thomas Tallis became a Gentleman of the Chapel Royal in 1542. In 1567 he wrote nine Psalm Tunes for archbishop Matthew Parker. The third tune, which uses the text of Psalm 2 in a rhymed version, is probably the most famous one. Ralph Vaughan Williams used it in his Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis.

Looking for appropriate music regarding the recent proclamation of Charles III as King of England, the last verses of this Tune stick with me. Especially the sentence 'Be wise therefore: ye Kinges the more'. In the light of Psalm 2 this means that a wise earthly king obeys the heavenly King.

Pierre Gouin arranged this beautiful piece for organ, with the hymn tune in the pedal (played with a 4' stop).
The thumbnail uses a picture of the ceiling of the Chapel Royal, Hampton Court Palace.