DCD34117-CD

From a city window: songs by Hubert Parry

Recorded in the music room of Hubert Parry’s boyhood home, Highnam Court in Gloucestershire, this disc sees three of our finest singers shed illuminating light on an area of the repertoire that has rarely graced the concert hall in recent times.

As English song came into full flower at the turn of the 20th century, Parry’s substantial contribution to the genre became buried. Iain Burnside and his singers rediscover what has been forgotten by historical accident – and what a treasure chest of song they have found! Still best known for two short choral works, Parry is at last undergoing something of a revival, and these beautiful performances return his songs to the heart of his output, where the composer always felt they belonged.

"Superb singing combines with Iain Burnside's eloquent handling of Parry's piano textures." ★★★★★

"The emotional range of these songs, almost faultlessly conceived in terms of textual rhythm, reminds us of just how expert a song-writer and pioneer of the English art Parry was...Full of subtle vocal nuance, excellent diction and discerning accompaniment, the performances are exquisite."

"Among the 27 songs here, fastidiously set to texts from Shakespeare to Scott, are some well-known gems. But many more are revelations. Recorded in Parry’s boyhood home near Gloucester, Ailish Tynan, Susan Bickley and William Dazeley sing them with ardour and sensibility, and Iain Burnside’s piano accompaniments are full of subtle insight."

 

"This release testifies to the rare talent of a composer still to be adequately recognised...There could surely be no finer champions of this art than the singers heard here"

"The performances are excellent. All three singers do very well by Parry"

"This beautifully programmed recital reveals Parry combining an innately English sensibility with the fastidious craft of the great German lieder composers. Sincerity and proper declamation of text are clearly paramount, and if the melodic invention doesn’t always rise to quite the same level, this is still an enjoyable and important survey."

LIMELIGHT

"Soprano Ailish Tynan, mezzo sopranoSusan Bickley and baritone William Dazeley offer clear and affectionate performances, stating strongly the case for Hubert Parry, master song setter of English lyrics."

Producer: Paul Baxter
Recording venue(s): Highnam Court, Gloucestershire
Recording dates: 22-24 May 2012
Physical format: Jewel case
Number of discs: 1
Number of tracks: 27
Release date: 14 January 2013
Total playing time: 1:12:42
Album ID: DCD34117

Featured interview

Iain Burnside on Parry

Iain talks to The Herald's Keith Bruce about Parry's valuable contribution to the English song tradition.

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