William Billings Biography
William Billings (1746-1800) was an American composer, vocalist, as well as choral director that is typically referred to as the "daddy of American choral music". He was birthed in Boston, Massachusetts, on October 7, 1746, and was the youngest of nine youngsters. His dad was a tanner as well as his mom a housewife.
Billings obtained a limited formal education and learning and began working as a tanner like his dad. Nevertheless, he had a keen rate of interest in songs as well as started to teach himself to check out as well as compose music. He quickly ended up being a singing master and began leading vocal singing institutions in his town. His abilities as an educator as well as composer were swiftly recognized, and he was welcomed to lead singing institutions throughout New England.
In 1770, Billings released his very first collection of music, "The New England Psalm Singer". The collection included his very own make-ups along with music by other authors. The book was a prompt success and turned into one of the most prominent collections of music in America at the time. He took place to publish numerous extra collections of songs, consisting of "The Singing Master's Assistant" in 1778 and also "Music in Miniature" in 1779.
In spite of his success, Billings encountered lots of obstacles throughout his life. He frequented debt and also had a hard time to support himself and his household. He likewise struggled with alcoholism, which might have added to his financial troubles as well as caused issues in his personal life.
Regardless of these obstacles, Billings remained to compose as well as educate songs. He was recognized for his distinct style, which mixed standard European music with American people songs and hymns. His songs was frequently lively and also upbeat, with intricate harmonies and also solid rhythms.
Billings passed away on September 26, 1800, in Boston, Massachusetts. He is remembered as one of one of the most crucial composers of very early American music as well as a leader in the advancement of choral music in America. His payments to American music were acknowledged in 1940, when he was posthumously sworn in right into the Songwriters Hall of Fame.
Our collection contains 3 quotes who is written / told by William.
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