"Parry: Job" is a profound and stirring oratorio composed by Sir Hubert Parry, a pivotal figure in the English Musical Renaissance. Released in 1998 on the Hyperion label, this choral masterpiece brings to life the biblical story of Job, offering a deeply moving and intellectually stimulating experience. The album features the Guildford Choral Society and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by the esteemed Hilary Davan Wetton.
Spanning over an hour, "Parry: Job" is a meticulously crafted exploration of faith, suffering, and redemption. Parry's composition is notable for its rich harmonies, dramatic narratives, and evocative orchestration. The work is divided into several scenes, each delving into different aspects of Job's trials and his dialogues with his friends and God. The choral performances are particularly striking, with powerful vocal arrangements that convey the full range of human experience, from despair and anger to hope and acceptance.
The album opens with a somber and reflective tone, setting the stage for Job's profound suffering. As the narrative unfolds, Parry masterfully weaves together solo voices, chorus, and orchestra to create a tapestry of sound that is both intimate and grand. The sixth section, for instance, is particularly poignant, as Job bitterly accepts his fate, and Parry reintroduces a haunting cello melody from an earlier section, underscoring the cyclical nature of Job's struggle.
"Parry: Job" is not just a musical retelling of a biblical tale; it is a meditation on the human condition, exploring themes of faith, doubt, and the search for meaning in the face of adversity. The album is a testament to Parry's compositional genius and his ability to blend theological depth with musical brilliance. Whether you are a fan of choral music, a student of biblical narratives, or simply someone who appreciates beautifully crafted music, "Parry: Job" is an album that will resonate deeply and leave a lasting impression.
Job, Scene 1: No. 1, There Was a Man in the Land of Uz (Narrator/Job)Hubert Parry, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Peter Coleman-Wright, Neal Davies, Hilary Davan Wetton
Job, Scene 1: No. 2, And the Lord Said to Satan (Narrator/Chorus/Satan)Hubert Parry, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Neal Davies, Hilary Davan Wetton, Toby Spence, Guildford Choral Society
Job, Scene 1: No. 3, But Put Forth Thine Hand Now (Satan/Narrator/Chorus)Hubert Parry, Guildford Choral Society, Hilary Davan Wetton, Toby Spence, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Neal Davies
Job, Scene 2: No. 1, The Flocks of My Master Are Blessed of God (Shepherd Boy)Hubert Parry, Hilary Davan Wetton, Jaime Morgan Hitchcock, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Job, Scene 2: No. 2, Come, O Sabean Horde! Come, and Destroy! (Satan/Chorus)Hubert Parry, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Hilary Davan Wetton, Guildford Choral Society, Toby Spence
Job, Scene 2: No. 3, And There Came a Messenger to Job, and Said (Narrator/Shepherd Boy/Job/Satan/Chorus)Hubert Parry, Guildford Choral Society, Hilary Davan Wetton, Jaime Morgan Hitchcock, Neal Davies, Peter Coleman-Wright, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Toby Spence
Job, Scene 2: No. 4, Lift Up Thy Voice, O Son of Man, and Cry (Chorus)Hubert Parry, Guildford Choral Society, Hilary Davan Wetton, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Job, Scene 3: Introduction. Now When Job's friends Heard of All This Evil (Narrator)Hubert Parry, Hilary Davan Wetton, Neal Davies, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Job, Scene 3: The Lamentation of Job No. 1. Let the Day Perish Wherein I Was Born (Job)Hubert Parry, Hilary Davan Wetton, Peter Coleman-Wright, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Job, Scene 3: The Lamentation of Job No. 2. Why Died I Not from the Womb? (Job)Hubert Parry, Peter Coleman-Wright, Hilary Davan Wetton, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Job, Scene 3: The Lamentation of Job No. 3. How Should a Man Be Just with God? (Job)Hubert Parry, Peter Coleman-Wright, Hilary Davan Wetton, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Job, Scene 3: The Lamentation of Job No. 4. My Soul Is Weary of My Life (Job)Hubert Parry, Peter Coleman-Wright, Hilary Davan Wetton, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Job, Scene 3: The Lamentation of Job No. 5. Man That Is Born of Woman Is of Few Days (Job)Hubert Parry, Hilary Davan Wetton, Peter Coleman-Wright, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Job, Scene 3: The Lamentation of Job No. 6. O That I Were as in the Months Past (Job)Hubert Parry, Hilary Davan Wetton, Peter Coleman-Wright, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Job, Scene 3: The Lamentation of Job No. 7. But Now My Soul Is Poured Out upon Me (Job)Hubert Parry, Peter Coleman-Wright, Hilary Davan Wetton, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Job, Scene 3: The Lamentation of Job No. 8. For I Know That Thou Shalt Bring Me unto Death (Job)Hubert Parry, Peter Coleman-Wright, Hilary Davan Wetton, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Job, Scene 4: No. 1, Who Is This That Darkeneth Counsel by Words Without Knowledge? (Chorus)Hubert Parry, Hilary Davan Wetton, Guildford Choral Society, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Job, Scene 4: No. 2, Who Shut Up the Sea with Doors? (Chorus)Hubert Parry, Guildford Choral Society, Hilary Davan Wetton, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Job, Scene 4: No. 3, Hast Thou Commanded the Morning Since Thy Days? (Chorus)Hubert Parry, Guildford Choral Society, Hilary Davan Wetton, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Job, Scene 4: No. 4, Hast Thou Given the Horse Strength? (Chorus)Hubert Parry, Guildford Choral Society, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Hilary Davan Wetton
Job, Scene 4: No. 5, Wilt Thou Disannul Judgment? (Chorus)Hubert Parry, Hilary Davan Wetton, Guildford Choral Society, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Job, Scene 4: No. 6, Then Shall God Also Confess That Thine Own Right Hand Can Save Thee (Chorus/Narrator/Job)Hubert Parry, Hilary Davan Wetton, Guildford Choral Society, Neal Davies, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Peter Coleman-Wright
Job, Scene 4: No. 7, And It Was So, That the Lord Turned the Captivity of Job (Narrator)Hubert Parry, Hilary Davan Wetton, Neal Davies, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Sir Charles Hubert Hastings Parry, 1st Baronet, stands as a titan of English music, renowned for his compositions that have become staples of the choral repertoire. Born in Bournemouth in 1848, Parry's musical journey began at Eton, where his passion for composition was ignited. His career blossomed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, marking him as a pivotal figure in the English musical renaissance. Parry's works, such as the iconic "Jerusalem," the coronation anthem "I was glad," and the hymn tune "Repton," have left an indelible mark on British culture. Beyond his compositions, Parry's influence extended through his teaching and historical writings, inspiring generations of composers, including Elgar, Holst, and Vaughan Williams. His legacy endures, not just in his music but also in the countless artists he mentored and the cultural impact he fostered.
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Hubert Parry
