Creation by William Billings

Creation, composed by William Billings and recorded in May 2021 at Comber Hall, Church of the Little Flower in Miami, FL.
William Billings is often credited with being the first colonial American composer. Born in Boston in 1746, Billings’ life ran parallel with the lead-up to and aftermath of the American Revolution. A prolific composer, Billings published six collections of songs for group singing. Creation is a prime example of Billings’ style: A homophonic chorale, alternating in slow and fast tempo, is followed by a delightful contrapuntal fuging tune.
Creation
When I with pleasing wonder stand
And all my frame survey
Lord, ’tis thy work, I own thy hand
Thus built my humble clay.
Our life contains a thousand springs,
And dies if one be gone.
Strange that a harp of thousand strings
Should keep in tune so long.

[@monologtube]

Beautiful resonance! Love this song.
The straight tone is an excellent choice, and well done.

[@jasonhutto5223]

A beautiful, God honoring piece by Billings, and a beautiful recording!

[@rayphenicie7344]

Here because I'm reading 'An introduction to America's Music' / Richard Crawford.
Now Seraphic Fire is part of the dialogue on American music.
Great!

[@scrotmaster7]

So good. Best rendish. LOVE the alto tiddly on the second "clay"