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William Billings
William Billings, is considered by many to be the foremost representative of early American choral music. Billings was born in Boston on October 7, 1746. Largely self-trained in music, he was a tanner by trade and a friend of such figures of the American Revolution as Samuel Adams and Paul Revere. Billings's New England Psalm-Singer (1770), engraved by Revere, was the first collection of music entirely by an American.
Billings often wrote the lyrics for his own compositions. Like the notes, the words are occasionally awkward but always forceful and vivid. He wrote long prefaces to his works in which he explained (often in an endearingly eccentric prose style) the rudiments of music and how his work should be performed. His writings reflect his extensive experience as a singing master, and often include advice that would wisely be heeded by choral singers today. |
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Best of Billings
William Billings : Continental Harmony The dominating characteristics in the works of William Billings are: (1) a hard, driving, heavily accented beat; (2) a remarkable sensitivity to the text; and (3) an indifference to the so-called "rules of composition" in vogue during his time. This edition preserves the music as written by Billings except for the use off modern notation and a line of text for each voice; however, the piano reduction reverses the positions of the tenor and soprano parts, and should the conductor elect, the pieces may be performed in this manner. Songlist: Cobham, Connection, Cross-Street, Hopkinton, Morning Hymn, St. Enoch, Thomas-Town, West Sudbury  |
Displaying 1-35 of 35 items.
From the Continental Harmony of 1794. Music is as originally printed by Billings except for the use of modern notation and a line of text for each voice; however, the piano reduction reverses the positions of the tenor and soprano parts, and should the conductor elect, this piece may be performed in this manner. Contains editors performance suggestions.
From the Continental Harmony of 1794. Music is as originally printed by Billings except for the use of modern notation and a line of text for each voice; however, the piano reduction reverses the positions of the tenor and soprano parts, and should the conductor elect, this piece may be performed in this manner. Contains editors performance suggestions.
Arranger: Richard C. Pisano
Three thematically related works by American composer William Billings in a set that can be performed singularly, as a group, or dispersed throughout a concert program.
Arranger: Richard C. Pisano
William Billings is widely recognized as the father of American choral music. With elegant simplicity he followed the lead of his European contemporaries and imparted his own unique style. This Easter declaration bravely states the victorious words of Christ's resurrection without accompaniment, yet the strength of the anthem rings easily and powerfully.
From the Continental Harmony of 1794. Music is as originally printed by Billings except for the use of modern notation and a line of text for each voice; however, the piano reduction reverses the positions of the tenor and soprano parts, and should the conductor elect, this piece may be performed in this manner. Contains editors performance suggestions.
Arranger: Richard C. Pisano
Arranger: Richard C. Pisano
From the Continental Harmony of 1794. Music is as originally printed by Billings except for the use of modern notation and a line of text for each voice; however, the piano reduction reverses the positions of the tenor and soprano parts, and should the conductor elect, this piece may be performed in this manner. Contains editors performance suggestions.
Uses: General, Call to Worship, Concert Scripture: Romans 15:13; I Peter 1:6-9 From the early American songbook comes this beautiful anthem that affirms our legacy of faith. Framed by original material, this classic text heralds the joy of worship with assuring melodic gestures. Your choir is sure to find success with this creative and inspirational arrangement of a sacred song!
Arranger: Timothy Shaw
Russ Robinson has taken Billings' popular canon, "When Jesus Wept," and added an "Alleluia" text, making this Lenten work suitable any time during the church year. With its three available voicings, this work is perfect for any small ensemble and is a good introduction for younger voices to the early American composer.
From the Continental Harmony of 1794. Music is as originally printed by Billings except for the use of modern notation and a line of text for each voice; however, the piano reduction reverses the positions of the tenor and soprano parts, and should the conductor elect, this piece may be performed in this manner. Contains editors performance suggestions.
Arranger: Richard C. Pisano
From the Continental Harmony of 1794. Music is as originally printed by Billings except for the use of modern notation and a line of text for each voice; however, the piano reduction reverses the positions of the tenor and soprano parts, and should the conductor elect, this piece may be performed in this manner. Contains editors performance suggestions.
From the Continental Harmony of 1794. Music is as originally printed by Billings except for the use of modern notation and a line of text for each voice; however, the piano reduction reverses the positions of the tenor and soprano parts, and should the conductor elect, this piece may be performed in this manner. Contains editors performance suggestions.
The original tune and lyrics for this piece are by William Billings (1746-1800), Boston, Massachusetts, here adapted for mixed chorus, optional percussion and piano by Gwyneth Walker. The mournful spirit of early Americana in the original music is still present, embellished by her additions.
Arranger: Gwyneth Walker
This famous canon by William Billings, considered one of the foremost early American composers, has been delicately arranged with an unobtrusive accompaniment, allowing the original music to prevail with simple keyboard support.
Arranger: Gerald Custer
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