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Edition by Barry Johnston
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Added Jul 29, 2026
2 editions of this piece

Different typesettings and voicings of the same work. This page shows the main edition; the others are below.

SATB · Barry Johnston Preview
Composer: William Billings
Format: Staff
Language: Latin, English
Pages: 1 page
This edition was prepared by Barry Johnston — free to download, print, rehearse and perform.

Brattle Street (1770) by William Billings — Lyrics

In finem. Puero Domini David, qui locutus est Domino verba cantici hujus, in die qua eripuit eum Dominus de manu omnium inimicorum ejus, et de manu Saul, et dixit: Diligam te, Domine, fortitudo mea. Dominus firmamentum meum, et refugium meum, et liberator meus. Deus meus adjutor meus, et sperabo in eum; protector meus, et cornu salutis meae, et susceptor meus. Laudans invocabo Dominum, et ab inimicis meis salvus ero. Circumdederunt me dolores mortis, et torrentes iniquitatis conturbaverunt me. Dolores inferni circumdederunt me; praeoccupaverunt me laquei mortis. In tribulatione mea invocavi Dominum, et ad Deum meum clamavi: et exaudivit de templo sancto suo vocem meam; et clamor meus in conspectu ejus introivit in aures ejus. Commota est, et contremuit terra; fundamenta montium conturbata sunt, et commota sunt: quoniam iratus est eis. Ascendit fumus in ira ejus, et ignis a facie ejus exarsit; carbones succensi sunt ab eo. Inclinavit caelos, et descendit, et caligo sub pedibus ejus. Et ascendit super cherubim, et volavit; volavit super pennas ventorum. Et posuit tenebras latibulum suum; in circuitu ejus tabernaculum ejus, tenebrosa aqua in nubibus aëris. Prae fulgore in conspectu ejus nubes transierunt; grando et carbones ignis. Et intonuit de caelo Dominus, et Altissimus dedit vocem suam: grando et carbones ignis. Et misit sagittas suas, et dissipavit eos; fulgura multiplicavit, et conturbavit eos. Et apparuerunt fontes aquarum, et revelata sunt fundamenta orbis terrarum, ab increpatione tua, Domine, ab inspiratione spiritus irae tuae. Misit de summo, et accepit me; et assumpsit me de aquis multis. Eripuit me de inimicis meis fortissimis, et ab his qui oderunt me. Quoniam confortati sunt super me;
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About Brattle Street (1770)

William Billings' Brattle Street is a SATB setting that draws from biblical texts. The Latin opening, likely from Psalm 18, expresses deep personal reliance on God as a protector and refuge amidst distress and mortal danger. The composer then transitions to English lyrics, continuing this theme of faith and divine deliverance. Known for his direct and robust style, Billings' music often reflects the fervent spirit of colonial America. This hymn setting offers a powerful and accessible expression of trust in the divine, suitable for choirs seeking a piece with both historical significance and profound devotional content.