Over the centuries, numerous composers have been inspired to set the 150 psalms to music, typically for church services. For this work, which is based on the setting of Psalm 149 from the Geneva Psalter of 1562, I chose the title Psaltrada – a word I created by combining “Psalm” and “Intrada.” Psaltrada retains all the solemnity of the original psalm melody, while also serving as a cheerful and upbeat opening piece for any secular concert.