Composer

:

Hubert Parry

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

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Vocal Music

Hubert Parry's 'English Lyrics (6), Set 4' is a collection of six songs for voice and piano, composed in 1908. The set was premiered on May 12, 1908, at a concert at the Aeolian Hall in London, with the composer accompanying the singer, Gervase Elwes. The first song in the set, 'The Sound of Hidden Music,' is a setting of a poem by Robert Bridges. It is a gentle and introspective piece, with a flowing piano accompaniment that supports the soaring vocal line. The second song, 'The Lark Ascending,' is based on a poem by George Meredith. It is a bright and joyful piece, with a lively piano part that evokes the flight of the lark. The third song, 'The Fields of Sorrow,' is a setting of a poem by William Morris. It is a somber and mournful piece, with a slow and melancholic piano accompaniment that underscores the sadness of the text. The fourth song, 'The Nightingale,' is based on a poem by Robert Bridges. It is a delicate and ethereal piece, with a light and airy piano part that evokes the fluttering of the nightingale's wings. The fifth song, 'The Spirit's Song,' is a setting of a poem by John Addington Symonds. It is a powerful and dramatic piece, with a bold and sweeping piano accompaniment that supports the soaring vocal line. The final song in the set, 'The Sound of the Sea,' is based on a poem by Christina Rossetti. It is a lively and energetic piece, with a lively and rhythmic piano part that evokes the crashing of the waves. Overall, 'English Lyrics (6), Set 4' is a varied and engaging collection of songs that showcases Parry's skill as a composer of vocal music. The set is notable for its use of English texts, which was a departure from the prevailing trend of setting German or Italian texts in classical vocal music at the time. The songs are characterized by their lyrical melodies, rich harmonies, and sensitive piano accompaniments, which combine to create a powerful emotional impact.

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