Jamaica
Staff Notation • Sacred
2 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?
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.
Jamaica by William Billings — Lyrics
About Jamaica
Sing this vibrant setting of Psalm 98, with its jubilant call to praise, for a joyful occasion or at Christmas. William Billings, a self-taught composer and pioneer of American music, crafts a powerful anthem for SATB choir. The Latin text, proclaiming God's salvation and justice, is interwoven with English phrases, creating a rich declamation that builds to a thrilling climax. The music, in the tradition of American sacred music of the late 18th century, demands a confident and energetic performance, perfect for a choir eager to explore this stirring repertoire.