Dive into the profound and stirring world of Hubert Parry's "Job," a masterful choral work that brings to life the timeless biblical narrative of Job's trials and tribulations. Released in 1998 by Hyperion, this album is a testament to Parry's genius as a composer, teacher, and historian of music. The orchestral and choral performances are brought to life by the Guildford Choral Society and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by the esteemed Hilary Davan Wetton.
Spanning a duration of 1 hour and 9 minutes, "Job" is an oratorio that delves deep into the themes of faith, suffering, and redemption. The album is divided into four scenes, each meticulously crafted to capture the essence of Job's journey. From the haunting lamentations of Job himself to the powerful choruses that depict the conversations between God, Satan, and Job's friends, every track is a masterclass in vocal and orchestral arrangement.
Highlights include the poignant "Let the Day Perish Wherein I Was Born" and "Why Died I Not from the Womb?", both of which showcase Job's despair and longing for relief. The choral pieces, such as "Who Is This That Darkeneth Counsel by Words Without Knowledge?" and "Wilt Thou Disannul Judgment?", are powerful and evocative, underscoring the grandeur of Parry's compositional style.
Hubert Parry, born Charles Hubert Hastings Parry, was a renowned English composer whose works continue to resonate with audiences today. His ability to weave complex narratives into compelling musical pieces is evident throughout "Job," making it a standout addition to any classical music collection. Whether you are a seasoned fan of choral music or a newcomer to the genre, "Job" offers a rich and rewarding listening experience that showcases the best of Parry's artistic vision.
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
Hubert Parry, born Sir Charles Hubert Hastings Parry, was a prominent English composer, teacher, and music historian who left an indelible mark on the musical landscape of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Known for his choral works, Parry's compositions are celebrated for their emotional depth and technical mastery. His most renowned pieces include the iconic choral song "Jerusalem," the coronation anthem "I was glad," and the hymn tune "Repton." Beyond his choral compositions, Parry's orchestral works, such as his five symphonies and the Symphonic Variations, showcase his versatility and innovation. His influence extended beyond composition; as a teacher and historian, Parry played a pivotal role in the revival of English music, shaping the musical tastes and practices of his era. Parry's legacy endures, inspiring generations of musicians and music enthusiasts alike.
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Hubert Parry
