BILLINGS, WILLIAM

born Oct. 7, 1746, Boston, Mass., U.S. died Sept. 26, 1800, Boston foremost composer of the early American primitive style, whose works have become an integral part of the American folk tradition. A tanner by trade, he was self-taught in music. Among his friends were many prominent figures of the American Revolution, including Samuel Adams and Paul Revere. Billings' compositions include hymns, anthems, psalms, and fuguing tunes. His music is noted for its rhythmic vitality, freshness, and straightforward harmonies. The emotions embodied in his music range from the exuberant glory of the anthem The Lord Is Risen Indeed and the profound grief of the anthem David's Lamentation to the buoyant humour of the secular song Modern Music and the austerity of the canon When Jesus Wept. His lyrical hymn The Rose of Sharon was one of the most popular of early American hymns. Billings was active as an itinerant singing master and was influential in furthering the singing-school tradition of American folk culture. His six publications include The New-England Psalm-Singer (1770; the first collection entirely by an American composer), The Singing Master's Assistant (1778; known as Billings' Best), and The Continental Harmony (1794).