Sunday Feature: A Symphony Of Psalms

Cerys Matthews explores the enduring influence of Psalms on musicians and composers across centuries and musical genres from plainsong to pop, choral to country and from jazz to reggae.

These ancient texts have inspired composers including Schultz, Handel, Mendelssohn and Stravinsky as well as Duke Ellington, Sinead O’Connor and U2. Their themes of praise, thanksgiving and of resistance echo through African American spirituals and form a fundamental part of worship in religious events and in the concert hall.

Cerys explores what it is about the power of these poems which has allowed them to transcend continents, cultures and musical styles.

Part of the BBC's Easter religious programming

Publicity contact: EK