Hubert Parry, English composer and historian (d. 1918)

Sir Charles Hubert Hastings Parry, a towering figure in English music, was born on February 27, 1848, in Richmond Hill, Bournemouth, and passed away on October 7, 1918. He was not just a prolific English composer but also a revered teacher and insightful historian of music, whose influence shaped generations. Though his initial career path, encouraged by his father, veered towards insurance, his true calling in music soon became undeniable, with his first significant works appearing around 1880, marking the beginning of an extraordinary journey.

A Composer of Enduring National Melodies and Grand Works

As a composer, Sir Hubert Parry is perhaps best remembered for works that resonate deeply within the British cultural consciousness. His stirring choral song "Jerusalem," a setting of William Blake's poem, has become an unofficial national anthem, cherished for its powerful melody and evocative text. He also composed the majestic 1902 coronation anthem "I was glad," a piece frequently performed at royal events that showcases his masterful handling of choral and orchestral forces. Beyond these iconic pieces, his legacy includes the magnificent choral and orchestral ode "Blest Pair of Sirens," a testament to his dramatic flair, and the beloved hymn tune "Repton," which beautifully sets the words "Dear Lord and Father of Mankind." Parry's compositional prowess extended to the orchestral realm, where he crafted five symphonies and a set of Symphonic Variations, demonstrating his command of larger forms. Notably, he also penned the music for "Ode to Newfoundland," which serves as the provincial anthem for Newfoundland and Labrador and was once the national anthem of the Dominion of Newfoundland.

A Pillar of Musical Education and Scholarship

Parry's contributions stretched far beyond composition into the very fabric of musical education and scholarship. After his early, brief foray into the insurance world, his talents were recognized and nurtured by George Grove, a pivotal figure in British music. Grove first enlisted Parry as a crucial contributor to his monumental "Grove's Dictionary of Music and Musicians" in the 1870s and '80s, laying the groundwork for Parry's academic career. This collaboration blossomed further when, in 1883, Parry was appointed professor of composition and musical history at the prestigious Royal College of Music, an institution where Grove served as the inaugural head. Parry's ascent continued, as he succeeded Grove as the head of the College in 1895, a position he held with distinction for the remainder of his life. Concurrently, from 1900 to 1908, he held the esteemed Heather Professorship of Music at the University of Oxford. His scholarly pursuits also led him to author several influential books on music and its history, with his 1909 study of Johann Sebastian Bach standing out as particularly well-regarded.

Varying Reputation and Enduring Influence

Sir Hubert Parry's reputation and critical standing experienced fluctuations both during his lifetime and posthumously. His extensive academic duties, though profoundly impactful, inevitably curtailed the time and energy he could devote solely to composition. While some contemporaries, like Charles Villiers Stanford, lauded him as the finest English composer since Henry Purcell, others, such as Frederick Delius, held differing views. Despite these varied opinions, Parry's far-reaching influence on succeeding generations of composers is widely acknowledged and undeniable. His insightful articles in Grove's Dictionary served as a foundational resource for many, including Edward Elgar, who reportedly honed much of his craft by studying Parry's writings. Moreover, a roll call of illustrious figures who studied under Parry at the Royal College of Music reads like a who's who of 20th-century English music, encompassing giants such as Ralph Vaughan Williams, Gustav Holst, Frank Bridge, and John Ireland, all of whom carried his pedagogical legacy forward.

Beyond the Score: A Passion for the Sea

Beyond his profound musical world, Parry harbored a deep and abiding passion for sailing. An enthusiastic cruising sailor, he successively owned two notable vessels: the yawl "The Latois" and the ketch "The Wanderer." His love for the sea was further recognized in 1908 when he achieved the rare distinction of being elected a member of the Royal Yacht Squadron, an exclusive honour for a composer, showcasing another facet of his multifaceted life.

Frequently Asked Questions about Sir Charles Hubert Hastings Parry

Who was Sir Charles Hubert Hastings Parry?

Sir Charles Hubert Hastings Parry was a highly influential English composer, teacher, and music historian, renowned for his significant contributions to British music education and his enduring compositions like "Jerusalem" and "I was glad."

What are Sir Charles Hubert Hastings Parry's most famous compositions?

He is most famous for the choral song "Jerusalem," the coronation anthem "I was glad," the ode "Blest Pair of Sirens," and the hymn tune "Repton." He also composed five symphonies and the "Ode to Newfoundland."

What was Parry's role in music education?

Parry was a central figure in British music education. He served as a professor of composition and musical history at the Royal College of Music, eventually becoming its head in 1895. He also held the Heather Professorship of Music at the University of Oxford.

Who were some of Parry's notable students?

His influential students at the Royal College of Music included prominent composers such as Ralph Vaughan Williams, Gustav Holst, Frank Bridge, and John Ireland, demonstrating his profound impact on the next generation of English musicians.

Did Parry have other interests outside of music?

Yes, Parry was an avid cruising sailor and owned several yachts. In 1908, he was elected a member of the Royal Yacht Squadron, an honor rarely bestowed upon a composer.