An Introduction to America’s Music

CHAPTER 1 | CALVINIST MUSIC IN COLONIAL NORTH AMERICA 37

date: 1770

performers: Gregg Smith Singers

genre: hymn from The New-England Psalm-

Singer

meter: duple

form: strophic

Listening Guide 1.4

Chester

WILLIAM BILLINGS

timing section text comments

0:00 stanza 1

phrase 1

Let tyrants shake their iron rod, The main tune (in the tenor) quickly rises to

its highest note on the word “shake.” On the

word “iron,” treble and tenor voices move

in parallel fi fths, forbidden in “correct”

European styles.

0:07 phrase 2 And slav’ry clank her galling chains, A four-note melisma (multiple notes sung on a

single syllable) occurs on the harsh word “clank.”

0:14 phrase 3 We fear them not; we trust in God, The tenor’s tune ends on its apex (“God”).

0:20 phrase 4 New England’s God forever reigns. The tenor begins on the tune’s apex and ends

on its nadir (lowest note). Meanwhile, the

treble echoes the tenor’s melody from phrase 1.

0:27 stanza 4 The foe comes on with haughty stride

Our troops advance with martial

noise

Their veterans fl ee before our youth

And generals yield to beardless boys.

The music repeats, with new words.

0:54 stanza 5 What grateful off’ring shall we bring,

What shall we render to the Lord?

Loud hallelujahs let us sing,

And praise his name on ev’ry chord!

A third time through the tune, with still new

words.

note Stanzas 2 and 3, omitted in this performance, are shown here.

WHAT TO LISTEN FOR

• marchlike rhythm


• block-chord texture


• melody in tenor

Listen & Refl ect

1. Some of the fi ve stanzas are political in content, some are religious, and some mix the two;
   is there a pattern, and if so, what is its effect?


2. Is this hymn well suited for liturgical use (i.e., for singing as part of a church service)?
   Why or why not?

Howe and Burgoyne and Clinton, too,

With Prescott and Cornwallis joined,

Together plot our overthrow,

In one infernal league combined.

When God inspired us for the fi ght

Their ranks were broke; their lines were forced.

Their ships were shattered in our sight

Or swiftly driven from our shore.

CD 1.4

172028_01_018-043_r2_mr.indd 37 23/01/13 9:50 AM