Modern Musick

 

William Billings (1746-1800)

We are met for a Concert of modern invention;
To tickle the Ear is our present intention.
The Audience are seated expecting to be treated with a piece of the best.
And since we all agree to set the Tune on E,
The Author’s darling Key he prefers to the Rest.

 

Let the Bass take the Lead and firmly proceed,
Till all the Parts are agreed to fuge away.
Let the Tenor succeed and follow the Lead,
Till all the Parts are agreed to fuge away.
Let the Counter inspire the Rest of the Choir, Inflamed with Desire to fuge away
Let the Treble in the Rear no longer forbear, But expressly declare for a Fuge away

 

Then change to brisker Time and up the Ladder climb, and down again
Then mount the second Time and end the Strain.

 

Then change the Key to pensive Tones and slow in treble Time;
The Notes exceeding low keep down a While
Then rise by slow Degrees
The process surely will not fail to please.

 

Through Common and Treble we jointly have run
We’ll give you their Essence compounded in one.
Although we are strongly attached to the rest,
Six Four is the Movement that pleases us best.

 

And now we address you as Friends to the Cause;
Performers are modest and write their own Laws.
Although we are sanguine and clap at the Bars,
‘Tis the Part of the Hearers to clap their Applause.

 

 

This piece was performed on Octarium’s Ode to Music Concert, November 2003.