This edition was prepared by Gary D. Cannon — free to download, print, rehearse and perform.
Chester
Staff Notation • Sacred
Preview
0
0
3 editions of this piece
Different typesettings and voicings of the same work. This page shows the main edition; the others are below.
Subscribed as
Want Sunday picks sent to another address too?
Free weekly email
Your choir should not be left out in what's trending
Sunday mass selections, psalms, and trending songs in your area — straight to your inbox.
Chester by William Billings — 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.
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 fight,
Their ranks were broke, their lines were forced,
Read full lyrics
About Chester
William Billings' Chester is a stirring anthem for SATB choir, sung in English. Its robust character and martial spirit are evident from the outset, with the voices building in strength and conviction. The text itself is a powerful declaration of defiance against oppression and a testament to faith in God's protection during times of conflict. It celebrates American independence and rallies the spirit with patriotic fervour, imagining divine intervention leading to victory against overwhelming odds. The music mirrors this by building to a triumphant conclusion, offering a sense of resolute confidence and ultimate triumph. It is a piece that demands conviction and power from its performers.
