Meaning: The quote you have provided is a statement by William Billings, a prominent American choral composer and singing master during the 18th century. In this quote, Billings is discussing the emphasis and accentuation of beats in musical compositions, particularly in the context of different time signatures. Understanding the significance of this statement requires some background on musical notation and time signatures, as well as insight into Billings' contributions to American music.

In music notation, a time signature is a notational convention used in Western musical notation to specify how many beats are in each measure and which note value constitutes one beat. The top number of the time signature indicates the number of beats in each measure, while the bottom number indicates the note value that represents one beat. Common time, which is indicated by the time signature 4/4, has four beats per measure, with the quarter note receiving one beat. Triple time, on the other hand, is indicated by time signatures such as 3/4 or 6/8, signifying three beats per measure with the quarter or eighth note receiving one beat, respectively.

When Billings refers to "laying 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," he is discussing the practice of accentuating or emphasizing certain beats within a measure. In musical performance, emphasis is often achieved through dynamic accents, articulation, and phrasing, which can help convey the rhythmic structure and character of a piece.

Billings' statement reflects his approach to musical composition and his emphasis on rhythmic clarity and expression in choral music. As a composer, Billings is known for his contributions to shaping the early American choral tradition, particularly through his influential tunebooks such as "The New-England Psalm-Singer" and "The Singing Master's Assistant." His compositions often featured robust, singable melodies and distinctive harmonic progressions, reflecting the style of early American choral music.

In the context of Billings' compositions, his emphasis on the first part of the bar in triple time and the first and third parts of the bar in common time aligns with the rhythmic characteristics of his music. By highlighting these specific beats, Billings sought to create rhythmic vitality and a sense of forward momentum in his compositions, enhancing the overall musical expression and impact of his choral works.

Furthermore, Billings' emphasis on rhythmic clarity and accentuation aligns with the performance practices of his time. In the absence of modern conducting techniques, singers and instrumentalists relied on clear rhythmic articulation and ensemble coordination to convey the musical structure and expressive qualities of a composition. Billings' approach to emphasizing specific beats in different time signatures reflects the practical considerations of musical performance during the 18th century.

Overall, Billings' quote encapsulates his commitment to rhythmic precision and expressive interpretation in choral music. His emphasis on accentuating specific beats in different time signatures underscores the importance of rhythmic clarity and phrasing in musical performance, reflecting his enduring influence on the development of American choral music.

In summary, William Billings' quote regarding the emphasis on beats in triple and common time provides insight into his approach to rhythmic expression and musical composition. By understanding the historical context of musical notation, time signatures, and Billings' contributions to American choral music, we can appreciate the significance of his statement and its relevance to musical performance and interpretation.