This edition was prepared by Barry Johnston — free to download, print, rehearse and perform.
Bridgwater
Staff Notation • Sacred
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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
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Bridgwater by William Billings — Lyrics
Majestic God, when I descry
The planetary world on high,
Wheree'er I turn my wandering eyes,
I'm lost in rapture and surprise.
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About Bridgwater
William Billings's Bridgwater is a four-part sacred anthem for SATB voices. The music opens with a dignified and stately character, reflecting the text's contemplation of the majestic creator and the wonders of the cosmos. The vocal lines move with a certain grandeur, building in intensity as the music progresses. The text is a prayer of awe and devotion, asking for divine protection through the night and offering grateful sacrifice upon waking. Billings's distinctive American sacred music style is evident in the directness and earnestness of the writing, making it a compelling choice for a choir seeking to explore this important historical repertoire.
