William Billings is regarded as the first American choral composer, and leading member of the First New England School.
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12 Facts About William Billings
2.
William Billings possibly received musical instruction from John Barry, one of the choir members at the New South Church, but for the most part he was self-taught.
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3.
William Billings had an unusual appearance and a strong addiction to snuff.
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4.
Virtually all of William Billings' music was written for four-part chorus, singing a cappella.
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5.
William Billings followed up "Jargon" with his address "To the Goddess of Discord".
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6.
William Billings wrote several Christmas carols, including "Judea" in 1778 and "Shiloh" in 1781.
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7.
William Billings wrote long prefaces to his works in which he explained the rudiments of music and how his work should be performed.
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8.
William Billings's writings reflect his extensive experience as a singing master.
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9.
William Billings was involved in teaching singing schools throughout his life.
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10.
William Billings' work was very popular in its heyday, but his career was hampered by the primitive state of copyright law in America at the time.
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11.
William Billings died in poverty at age 53, and for a considerable time after his death, his music was almost completely neglected in the American musical mainstream.
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12.
Works by William Billings are commonly sung by American choral groups today, particularly performers of early music.
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