Here's something you might be interested in.
William Billings seems like an appropriate composer to get to know during this Thanksgiving and Christmas season.
Whenever we find any information on Billings his appearance is the first thing that is mentioned. He had a bad eye, a withered arm, legs of different lengths and a raspy voice.
However, Billings was a patriot and could call Paul Revere and Samuel Adams friends. He was not a candidate for any militia because of his physical shortcomings so Billings contributed in the best way he could.
One of Billings’ best known songs was a revolutionary anthem titled Chester. Billings was the first American composer. He even waited to publish his first pieces of music until paper produced in the new world could be obtained.
He was a self taught musician and his pieces are all for a cappella choir. However, he is credited with defining the colonial and early American sound.
Billings was a tanner and died as a street cleaner in poverty.
Billings died destitute because there were zero copyright laws in America when his music was published. His music was popular and loved but it was used far and wide without bringing him much compensation.
A Christmas Carol by William Billings.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iBzwVI2LLrE&feature=related
William Billings seems like an appropriate composer to get to know during this Thanksgiving and Christmas season.
Whenever we find any information on Billings his appearance is the first thing that is mentioned. He had a bad eye, a withered arm, legs of different lengths and a raspy voice.
However, Billings was a patriot and could call Paul Revere and Samuel Adams friends. He was not a candidate for any militia because of his physical shortcomings so Billings contributed in the best way he could.
One of Billings’ best known songs was a revolutionary anthem titled Chester. Billings was the first American composer. He even waited to publish his first pieces of music until paper produced in the new world could be obtained.
He was a self taught musician and his pieces are all for a cappella choir. However, he is credited with defining the colonial and early American sound.
Billings was a tanner and died as a street cleaner in poverty.
Billings died destitute because there were zero copyright laws in America when his music was published. His music was popular and loved but it was used far and wide without bringing him much compensation.
A Christmas Carol by William Billings.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iBzwVI2LLrE&feature=related