William Billings Quotes

The best general rule I know of, is, to set the tune on the letter the author has set it, unless he has given directions to the contrary. - William Billings

Let tyrants shake their iron rod. - William Billings

It is much the best way... to lay the emphasis on the first part of the bar in triple time, and on the first and third parts of the bar in common time. - William Billings

It is also well worth your observation, that the grand contention with us, is, not who shall sing loudest; but who shall sing best. - William Billings

In the first place, you must pay great attention to the key note. - William Billings

I will also call the companies and say, 'I really don't appreciate you sending money to people that are that arrogant about our taxes,' - William Billings

Every letter has its own peculiar air, which air is very much hurt if the tune is not rightly pitched; for instance, if a tune is set on A natural, and in pitching the tune, you set it a tone too low, you transpose the key into G, which is perhaps quite different from the intention of the author, and oftentimes very destructive to the harmony. - William Billings

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