Dive into the rich tapestry of Hubert Parry's choral masterpieces with this exquisite album, released on September 8, 2023, by Chandos. Spanning a captivating 70 minutes, this collection features two of Parry's most celebrated works: "Scenes from Shelley's Prometheus Unbound" and "Blest Pair of Sirens."
"Scenes from Shelley's Prometheus Unbound" is a monumental choral piece that sets Percy Bysshe Shelley's poetic drama to music. Composed in 1880, this work showcases Parry's early genius, blending sacred and secular musical forms with stunning effect. The album presents this dramatic oratorio in its entirety, featuring a stellar cast of vocalists, including Sarah Fox and Dame Sarah Connolly, accompanied by the London Mozart Players under the baton of William Vann.
The album also includes "Blest Pair of Sirens," a choral ode composed in 1887. This piece is a celebration of poetry and music, paying homage to the power of the arts to elevate the human spirit. The combination of these two works offers a comprehensive exploration of Parry's choral writing, from the dramatic and narrative to the lyrical and contemplative.
Recorded in surround sound and available as a Hybrid SACD, this album provides an immersive listening experience. The surround sound recording allows for a spatial audio experience, bringing the listener closer to the performance. Whether you're a seasoned classical enthusiast or new to Parry's music, this album is a fantastic introduction to the composer's choral repertoire. The detailed booklet and high-quality recording make this a valuable addition to any classical music collection.
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
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