Ben Parry's "The Hours" is a captivating choral album that showcases the composer's diverse and evocative musical style. Released on May 1, 2020, under the Signum Classics label, this album features the renowned Royal Holloway University Choir, conducted by Rupert Gough, delivering a stunning performance of Parry's compositions and arrangements.
Spanning a duration of 77 minutes, "The Hours" presents a rich tapestry of choral music that ranges from traditional folk tunes to sacred choral works. The album includes a mix of original compositions and arrangements, such as the lively "Sun Soul," the serene "Early One Morning," and the powerful "First Day." Parry's music is known for its emotional depth and technical sophistication, and this album is no exception.
One of the highlights of the album is "My Spirit Sang All Day," a piece that Parry wrote on a train from Leicester. This track, along with others like "My Heart's in the Highlands" and "Music: An Ode," demonstrates Parry's ability to blend traditional melodies with contemporary choral techniques, creating a sound that is both familiar and innovative.
"The Hours" also features several sacred choral works, including settings of texts from the Bible and other religious sources. These pieces, such as "Ave Verum Corpus" and "The Lord's Prayer," showcase Parry's skill in setting sacred texts to music, creating works that are both spiritually uplifting and musically engaging.
The album concludes with "Lighten Our Darkness," a piece that leaves a lasting impression with its hauntingly beautiful melody and harmonies. This final track, along with the rest of the album, is a testament to Ben Parry's talent as a composer and arranger, and his ability to create music that resonates with audiences on a deep level.
Whether you are a fan of choral music or simply looking to discover new and exciting compositions, "The Hours" is an album that is sure to impress. With its diverse range of styles and themes, this album offers something for everyone, and is a must-listen for anyone who appreciates the power and beauty of the human voice.
Vinylscout