“Chester,” from New England Triptych

William Schuman

"Chester" is the third movement of the New England Triptych, a collection of three pieces based on tunes by the colonial-era New England composer William Billings. Schuman wrote the collection in 1956 on a commission from Andre Kostelanetz and the orchestra at the University of Miami. Schuman created his own versions for band later, one movement at a time. Chester came first, right on the heels of the original.  Schuman actually expands his treatment of Chester in the band version. It begins as a chorale before being broken into pieces in an intense development that comprises most of the piece.

-Program note by Andy Pease

The tune on which this composition is based was born during the very time of the American Revolution, appearing in 1778 in a book of tunes and anthems composed by William Billings called The Singing Master's Assistant. This book became known as Billings' Best following as it did his first book called The New England Psalm Singer, published in 1770. Chester was so popular that it was sung throughout the colonies from Vermont to South Carolina. It became the song of the American Revolution, sung around the campfires of the Continental Army and played by fifers on the march. The music and words, both composed by Billings, expressed perfectly the burning desire for freedom which sustained the colonists through the difficult years of the Revolution.

Let tyrants shake their iron rod,

And Slav'ry clank her galling chains,

We fear them not, we trust in God,

New England's God forever reigns.

The Foe comes on with haughty Stride;

Our troops advance with martial noise,

Their Vet'rans flee before our Youth,

And Gen'rals yield to beardless Boys.

What grateful Off'ring shall we bring?

What shall we render to the Lord?

Loud Halleluiahs let us Sing,

And praise his name on ev'ry Chord.

- Program Note by William Schuman