Composer

:

Hubert Parry

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Average_duration

:

9:51

Hubert Parry's "Blest Pair of Sirens" is a choral work for chorus and orchestra that was composed in 1887. It was premiered on April 13, 1887, at the opening of the new buildings of the Royal College of Music in London. The work is divided into two movements, with the first movement being a setting of John Milton's poem "At a Solemn Musick" and the second movement being a setting of a passage from Edmund Spenser's "Epithalamion." The first movement of "Blest Pair of Sirens" is marked by its grandeur and majesty. The opening chords of the orchestra set the tone for the piece, with the choir entering soon after with the words "Blest pair of Sirens, pledges of Heaven's joy." The music builds in intensity as the choir sings of the power of music to lift the soul to the heavens. The movement ends with a triumphant chorus of "Alleluia," with the orchestra and choir combining to create a powerful and uplifting sound. The second movement of "Blest Pair of Sirens" is more intimate and reflective than the first. It begins with a gentle orchestral introduction, with the choir entering soon after with the words "Ye sacred muses, race of Jove." The music is more lyrical and flowing than the first movement, with the choir singing of the joys of love and marriage. The movement ends with a quiet and peaceful chorus of "Alleluia," with the orchestra and choir combining to create a serene and beautiful sound. Overall, "Blest Pair of Sirens" is a powerful and moving work that showcases Parry's skill as a composer. The music is grand and majestic, yet also intimate and reflective, with the choir and orchestra working together to create a beautiful and uplifting sound. It remains one of Parry's most popular works and is still performed regularly today.

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