"Chester" (1770) featured in The Patriot (2000)
by William Billings (1746-1800)
arr. by Alice Parker (1925-2023) and Robert Shaw (1916-1999)
Lyrics:
Let tyrants shake their iron rod,
And slavery clank her galling chains,
We fear them not, we trust in God,
New England’s God forever reigns.
The Foe comes on with haughty Stride;
Our troops advance with martial noise,
Their Vet’rans flee before our Youth,
And Gen’rals yield to beardless Boys.
What grateful Off’ring shall we bring?
What shall we render to the Lord?
Loud Halleluiahs let us Sing,
And praise his name on ev’ry Chord.
William Billings (1746-1800) Biography - Often considered the USA's first American composer, Billings was a self-taught musician and choral leader in Boston. He created and led church choirs at Old South Church in Boston and in Stoughton and published America's first hymn book - The New England Psalm Singer - in 1770. Billings was a strong supporter of the American Revolution who expressed his anti-slavery and anti-tyranny views through music. His hymn, Chester, became an official anthem of the revolution. He lived humbly and died a pauper - buried in an unmarked grave in Boston.
Alice Parker (1925-2023) Biography - Massachusetts native and world reknowned composer and arranger of choral music. Parker studied at Smith College and Julliard before beginning a lifelong collaborative relationship with Robert Shaw and the Robert Shaw Chorale. With Shaw and the Chorale she composed, arranged, and recorded over 500 choral works. She took particular interest in preserving and arranging American folk songs, hymns, and spirituals. Ms. Parker loved teaching and learning from others - she gave composition lessons out of her Hawley, Massachusetts home until her death in 2023 at age 98.