Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Hubert Parry's choral masterpiece with this captivating album, "Parry: Scenes from Shelley's Prometheus Unbound, Blest Pair of Sirens." This recording brings to life Parry's dramatic cantata, composed in 1880, which draws inspiration from Percy Shelley's poetic drama "Prometheus Unbound." The work is a testament to Parry's genius, showcasing his ability to blend powerful orchestration with evocative vocal performances.
The album features a stellar cast of soloists, including Sarah Fox, Dame Sarah Connolly, David Butt Philip, and Neal Davies, accompanied by the renowned Crouch End Festival Chorus and the London Mozart Players, all under the skilled direction of conductor William Vann. The performance is a vivid interpretation of Parry's vision, bringing the mythical and philosophical themes of Shelley's work to life through music.
"Scenes from Shelley's Prometheus Unbound" is a monumental work, divided into two parts with multiple scenes and characters, each brought to life through Parry's intricate composition. The album also includes "Blest Pair of Sirens," another of Parry's choral gems, completing a journey through the composer's choral repertoire.
This album is a celebration of Parry's contributions to the English choral tradition, offering a rare opportunity to experience his lesser-known works. The meticulous attention to detail in the performance and recording ensures that every nuance of Parry's score is captured, providing a rich and immersive listening experience. Whether you are a longtime admirer of Parry's music or a newcomer to his works, this album is a treasure trove of choral artistry that will leave you spellbound.
2023 Chandos Records Ltd.2023 Chandos Records Ltd.
Tracks
Scenes from Shelley's Prometheus Unbound, Part I: No. 1, Maestoso, assai lentoHubert Parry, London Mozart Players, William Vann
Scenes from Shelley's Prometheus Unbound, Part I: No. 2, Monarch of Gods and Dæmons (Prometheus)Hubert Parry, Neal Davies, London Mozart Players, William Vann
Scenes from Shelley's Prometheus Unbound, Part I: No. 3, Alas! Ah me! (Prometheus)Hubert Parry, Neal Davies, London Mozart Players, William Vann
Scenes from Shelley's Prometheus Unbound, Part I: No. 4, Thrice three hundred thousand years (Voice from the mountains)Hubert Parry, Crouch End Festival Chorus, London Mozart Players, William Vann
Scenes from Shelley's Prometheus Unbound, Part I: No. 5, Awful sufferer! (Mercury)Hubert Parry, David Butt Philip, Neal Davies, London Mozart Players, William Vann
Scenes from Shelley's Prometheus Unbound, Part I: No. 6, Prometheus! Immortal Titan! (Chorus of Furies)Hubert Parry, Crouch End Festival Chorus, London Mozart Players, William Vann
Scenes from Shelley's Prometheus Unbound, Part I: No. 7, 'I felt thy torture, son (The Earth)Hubert Parry, Sarah Connolly, London Mozart Players, William Vann
Scenes from Shelley's Prometheus Unbound, Part I: No. 8, From unremember'd ages we (Chorus of Spirits)Hubert Parry, Crouch End Festival Chorus, London Mozart Players, William Vann
Scenes from Shelley's Prometheus Unbound, Part I: No. 9, How fair these airborn shapes! (Prometheus)Hubert Parry, Neal Davies, London Mozart Players, William Vann
Scenes from Shelley's Prometheus Unbound, Part I: No. 10, Life of Life! (Voices of Spirits)Hubert Parry, Crouch End Festival Chorus, London Mozart Players, William Vann
Scenes from Shelley's Prometheus Unbound, Part I: No. 11, Fair are others (Contralto)Hubert Parry, Sarah Fox, Sarah Connolly, David Butt Philip, Neal Davies, Crouch End Festival Chorus, London Mozart Players, William Vann
Scenes from Shelley's Prometheus Unbound, Part II Scene 1: No. 12, Allegro moderato. Ye congregated pow'rs of heav'n' (Jupiter)Hubert Parry, David Butt Philip, London Mozart Players, William Vann
Scenes from Shelley's Prometheus Unbound, Part II Scene 1: No. 13, Awful shape, what art thou? (Jupiter) - Eternity (Demogorgon)Hubert Parry, David Butt Philip, Crouch End Festival Chorus, London Mozart Players, William Vann
Scenes from Shelley's Prometheus Unbound, Part II Scene 1: No. 14, Oh, that thou wouldst make mine enemy my judge (Jupiter)Hubert Parry, David Butt Philip, London Mozart Players, William Vann
Scenes from Shelley's Prometheus Unbound, Part II Scene 1: No. 15, Soon as the sound had ceased (Spirit of the Hour)Hubert Parry, Sarah Fox, London Mozart Players, William Vann
Scenes from Shelley's Prometheus Unbound, Part II Scene 2: No. 16, The pale stars are gone! (Voice of unseen Spirits) - The voice of the Spirits of Air and of Earth (Semichorus of Hours)Hubert Parry, Crouch End Festival Chorus, London Mozart Players, William Vann
Scenes from Shelley's Prometheus Unbound, Part II Scene 2: No. 17, We come from the mind (Spirits)Hubert Parry, Sarah Fox, Sarah Connolly, David Butt Philip, Neal Davies, London Mozart Players, William Vann
Scenes from Shelley's Prometheus Unbound, Part II Scene 2: No. 18, Then weave the web of the mystic measure (Chorus of Spirits and Hours)Hubert Parry, Crouch End Festival Chorus, London Mozart Players, William Vann
Blest Pair of Sirens: Blest Pair of SirensHubert Parry, Crouch End Festival Chorus, London Mozart Players, William Vann
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
