New England Triptych was written in 1956[2] and premiered on October 28 of that year by the Orchestra of the University of Miami under the direction of Andre Kostelanetz, who had commissioned it.
Schuman prefaced his score with this note (and reprinted the pertinent texts for each hymn): William Billings (1746–1800) is a major figure in the history of American music.
His works capture the spirit of sinewy ruggedness, deep religiosity, and patriotic fervor that we associate with the Revolutionary period in American history.
Trombones and trumpets start the main section in a varied setting of the words "Be Glad then, America, Shout and Rejoice."
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.