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William Billings (October 7, 1746 – September 26, 1800) is regarded as the first American choral composer, and leading member of the First New England School.
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William Billings
| Short Name: | William Billings |
| Full Name: | Billings, William, 1746-1800 |
| Birth Year: | 1746 |
| Death Year: | 1800 |
William Billings (b. 1746; d. 1800) was an American choral composer, thought by some to be the father of American choral music. His father died when William was 14, and he was forced to drop all formal education and take up tanning to get by. With no formal musical training he began to compose, and his songs were well-loved and traveled quickly. However, due to unsubstantial copyright laws, Billings received hardly a penny from the publication of his music. After a period of fame and prosperity, his music was forgotten, and his last decade was one of decline. Married with six children, he died in poverty, though his music would be resurrected after his death and sung to this day.
Laura de Jong
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Texts by William Billings (10) | As | Authority Languages | Instances |
|---|---|---|---|
| As shepherds in Jewry were guarding their sheep | William Billings (Author) | 1 | |
| As the hart panteth after the waterbrooks | William Billings (Alterer) | English | 2 |
| By the waters, the waters of Babylon | William Billings (Author) | English | 1 |
| Death with his warrant in his hand | William Billings (Author) | English | 2 |
| Jesuo larmis, kaj sen lim' | William Billings (Author) | Esperanto | 2 |
| Let tyrants shake their iron rod | William Billings, 1746-1800 (Author) | English | 3 |
| Methinks I see an heavenly host | William Billings (Author) | English | 5 |
| We are met for a Concert of modern invention | Wiliam Billings (Author) | English | 1 |
| When Jesus wept, the falling tear | William Billings (Author) | English | 16 |
| While shepherds watched their flocks by night, All seated on the ground | William Billings (Author (vs. 2)) | English | 1 |
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