Sacred Harp 479 Chester, by William Billings

The tune 'Chester,' was composed in 1770 by New England composer William Billings at the height of revolutionary sentiment in the American 'colonies.' Originally it had patriotic words beginning 'Let tyrants shake their iron rod.' In my favorite verse, a battle between the English and the Americans is described thus:
'The foe comes on with haughty stride;/ Our troops advance with martial noise/ Their veterans flee before our Youth, And Generals yield to beardless boys.' Clearly, a 'David against Goliath' version of the American Revolution!

Once the revolution was past and sentiments calmed, more sober religious lyrics were put to Billings' tune, and we have the song as sung in this video recorded at the 2010 Missouri State Singing Convention.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Sacred
• Harp
• shape
• note
• singing
• fasola
• Billings
• American
• Revolution

[PLBrayfield]

@comradeshow At these singings, there is no single 'leader,' but anyone who wants to call for a song, stands in the center and leads it. You note that singers sit in a 'hollow square,' each of the 4 parts of the harmony on one of the sides. Singers may beat time with the leader as they sing. It helps the group stay together. Other than that, I guess I'd say, it's just a custom of Sacred Harp singers.

[comradeshow]

i love it! what is the significance of raising the hands up so much?