Experience the powerful and dramatic oratorio "Judith" by the renowned English composer Hubert Parry, now available in a stunning new recording. This two-hour masterpiece, originally composed between 1887 and 1888, is a monumental work that showcases Parry's exceptional skill in choral and orchestral writing. The album features a stellar cast of soloists, the London Mozart Players, and the Crouch End Festival Chorus, all conducted by the talented William Vann.
"Judith" is a gripping retelling of the biblical story of Judith and Holofernes, filled with intense drama, lush harmonies, and soaring melodies. The oratorio is divided into two acts and a finale, each brimming with memorable arias, choruses, and orchestral interludes. Highlights include the stirring "Introduction: Allegro spiritoso," the haunting "Moloch" scenes, and the triumphant "Finale: I will sing unto the Lord."
This Chandos Records release captures the energy and passion of the first full London performance of "Judith" since the 19th century, which took place at the Southbank Centre in 2019. The album is a testament to Parry's enduring legacy and his significant contributions to the oratorio genre. Whether you're a fan of choral music, a lover of classical orchestrations, or simply appreciate a great story well-told, "Parry: Judith" is an essential addition to your collection. The album's impressive 40 tracks, spanning over two hours, offer a comprehensive exploration of Parry's musical genius. Don't miss this opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich, dramatic world of Hubert Parry's "Judith."
2020 Chandos Records2020 Chandos Records
Tracks
Judith, Introduction: Allegro spiritosoHubert Parry, William Vann, London Mozart Players
Judith, Act I Scene 1. Moloch: Processional Music of Worshippers - Hail, Moloch! (Worshippers)Hubert Parry, William Vann, London Mozart Players, Crouch End Festival Chorus
Judith, Act I Scene 1. Moloch: Draw near and worship. O my people! (Manasseh)Hubert Parry, William Vann, London Mozart Players, Toby Spence
Judith, Act I Scene 1. Moloch: Have mercy, dread Moloch (Worshippers)Hubert Parry, William Vann, London Mozart Players, Crouch End Festival Chorus
Judith, Act I Scene 1. Moloch: Hear ye the word of your god! (High Priest)Hubert Parry, William Vann, London Mozart Players, Henry Waddington
Judith, Act I Scene 1. Moloch: Hail! thou art highly favoured, King! (Worshippers) - My children's Moloch's! (Manasseh)Hubert Parry, William Vann, London Mozart Players, Toby Spence, Crouch End Festival Chorus
Judith, Act I Scene 1. Moloch: Bring now the children! (Worshippers)Hubert Parry, William Vann, London Mozart Players, Crouch End Festival Chorus
Judith, Act I Scene 1. Moloch: Hearken, O King! (High Priest)Hubert Parry, William Vann, London Mozart Players
Judith, Act I Scene 1. Moloch: Hail, Moloch, hail! (Worshippers)Hubert Parry, William Vann, London Mozart Players, Crouch End Festival Chorus
Judith, Act I Scene 2. The Children: Dialogue. Andante sostenuto - O mother, tell us once again (Children and Meshullemeth)Hubert Parry, William Vann, London Mozart Players, Kathryn Rudge, Childrens Chorus
Judith, Act I Scene 2. The Children: Ballad. Long since in Egypt's plenteous land (Meshullemeth and Children)Hubert Parry, William Vann, London Mozart Players, Kathryn Rudge, Childrens Chorus
Judith, Act I Scene 2. The Children: Great Queen, the King calls for his children (Chorus of Priests of Moloch, Meshullemeth, andHubert Parry, William Vann, London Mozart Players, Kathryn Rudge, Childrens Chorus, Crouch End Festival Chorus
Judith, Act I Scene 2. The Children: Lady! thou Queen of Israel! (Judith)Hubert Parry, William Vann, London Mozart Players, Sarah Fox
Judith, Act I Scene 3. The Sacrifice: Moloch! Moloch! give ear! (Chorus of Priests) - My people, see, the holy children come (ManaHubert Parry, William Vann, London Mozart Players, Toby Spence, Crouch End Festival Chorus
Judith, Act I Scene 3. The Sacrifice: Stay your hideous mockeries! (Judith)Hubert Parry, William Vann, London Mozart Players, Sarah Fox
Judith, Act I Scene 3. The Sacrifice: Now shall the Lord Jehovah visit you (Judith)Hubert Parry, William Vann, London Mozart Players, Sarah Fox
Judith, Act I Scene 3. The Sacrifice: Who is this that raileth at Moloch? (Worshippers of Moloch)Hubert Parry, William Vann, London Mozart Players, Crouch End Festival Chorus
Judith, Act I Scene 3. The Sacrifice: O King, give ear! (Messenger)Hubert Parry, William Vann, London Mozart Players
Judith, Act I Scene 3. The Sacrifice: Fear not, my people (Manasseh)Hubert Parry, William Vann, London Mozart Players, Toby Spence
Judith, Finale. The Coming of the Assyrians: The host of Assur is like a swarm of locusts (Worshippers of Moloch)Hubert Parry, William Vann, London Mozart Players, Crouch End Festival Chorus
Judith, Finale. The Coming of the Assyrians: Jerusalem was loved of the Lord (Judith)Hubert Parry, William Vann, London Mozart Players
Judith, Finale. The Coming of the Assyrians: Moloch, Moloch, hear us now (Priests of Moloch) - Rise in might and scatter our foesHubert Parry, William Vann, London Mozart Players, Crouch End Festival Chorus
Judith, Finale. The Coming of the Assyrians: Fly! Fly! The host of Assur is come on us (People)Hubert Parry, William Vann, London Mozart Players, Crouch End Festival Chorus
Judith, Finale. The Coming of the Assyrians: Jerusalem, that was Queen of the nations (People)Hubert Parry, William Vann, London Mozart Players, Crouch End Festival Chorus
Judith, Intermezzo. Babylon, The Repentance of Manasseh: Lento espressivo - I will bear the indignation of God (Manasseh)Hubert Parry, William Vann, London Mozart Players, Toby Spence
Judith, Act II Scene 1. The Return of Manasseh: Maestoso. Sostenuto espressivo - Wail! Wail! Ye solitary people (Jews of JerusalemHubert Parry, William Vann, London Mozart Players, Crouch End Festival Chorus
Judith, Act II Scene 1. The Return of Manasseh: The Lord is long-suffering and merciful (Meshullemeth)Hubert Parry, William Vann, London Mozart Players, Kathryn Rudge
Judith, Act II Scene 1. The Return of Manasseh: Our King is come again from distant lands (Jews of Jerusalem)Hubert Parry, William Vann, London Mozart Players, Crouch End Festival Chorus
Judith, Act II Scene 1. The Return of Manasseh: Behold, how great is the mercy of our God (Manasseh) - He brought us out of the daHubert Parry, William Vann, London Mozart Players, Toby Spence, Kathryn Rudge, Sarah Fox
Judith, Act II Scene 2. The Message of Holofernes: Hear ye the words of the captain of the great King (Messenger)Hubert Parry, William Vann, London Mozart Players, Henry Waddington
Judith, Act II Scene 2. The Message of Holofernes: Woe, woe! Our city's walls are broken (Jews of Jerusalem)Hubert Parry, William Vann, London Mozart Players, Crouch End Festival Chorus
Judith, Act II Scene 2. The Message of Holofernes: Let us give thanks unto the Lord our God (Judith)Hubert Parry, William Vann, London Mozart Players, Sarah Fox
Judith, Act II Scene 2. The Message of Holofernes: I pray Thee, O God of my fathers (Judith)Hubert Parry, William Vann, London Mozart Players, Sarah Fox
Judith, Act II Scene 2. The Message of Holofernes: The God of our fathers give thee favour (People)Hubert Parry, William Vann, London Mozart Players, Crouch End Festival Chorus
Judith, Act II Scene 3. The Exploit of Judith: The Walls of Jerusalem. Night - See ye the campfires of the host of Assur (Chorus oHubert Parry, William Vann, London Mozart Players, Toby Spence, Crouch End Festival Chorus
Judith, Act II Scene 3. The Exploit of Judith: Ho! ye upon the walls! (Judith)Hubert Parry, William Vann, London Mozart Players, Sarah Fox
Judith, Act II Scene 3. The Exploit of Judith: Arise, O Israel! Smite ye your enemies (Jews of JerusalemJews of Jerusalem)Hubert Parry, William Vann, London Mozart Players, Crouch End Festival Chorus
Judith, Act II Scene 3. The Exploit of Judith: God breaketh the battle (Manasseh)Hubert Parry, William Vann, London Mozart Players, Toby Spence
Judith, Finale: I will sing unto the Lord (Judith)Hubert Parry, William Vann, London Mozart Players, Sarah Fox
Judith, Finale: Put off, O Jerusalem, the garment of thy mourning (Chorus)Hubert Parry, William Vann, London Mozart Players, Crouch End Festival Chorus
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
